UNICS defeated Lokomotiv Kuban in the Semifinals Game 5 at home – 81:78 (21:25, 15:19, 21:14, 24:20).
Game progress
From the very first minutes, the game was equal. The hosts were led by Marcos Knight, Nenad Dimitrijevic and Jalen Reynolds, who combined for 21 points. The Krasnodar team made 5 three-pointers and allowed to take lead after first quarter – 25:21.
The second quarter was a chase. Maurice Ndour and Vladislav Emchenko organized a run, after which the Krasnodar team lead reached 9 points – 34:25. The hosts gradually started to cut the deficit, but the Krasnodar team was able to get back. Emchenko made the most of an unsportsmanlike foul by Louis Labeyrie. Loko guard scored 5 points in one possession (2 free throws and a long-range shot) and gave his team a comfortable lead at the end of the first half.
A break allowed UNICS to reset. The third quarter started with Knight and Reynolds made shots. And after Dimitrijevic three-pointer, the Kazan team took the lead for the first time – 53:50.
Key moment
The fate of the game was decided only in the very end. The hosts had a minimal advantage in the last minute – 79:78. The Krasnodar team had a chance to take the lead, but Jaylen Barford missed three-pointer. The guests had to use tactical fouls. Dimitrijevic was cold-blooded in free throws, increasing his team’s lead. The Krasnodar team still had a chance to save the game, but Okaro White missed his shot.
X-factor
The Playoffs are a time for leaders. And today’s game proved that. The head coaches of both teams limited the rotation to 7-8 key players. UNICS does a better job. Jalen Reynolds and Nenad Dimitrijevic combined for 52 points in this game.
Fact
UNICS won 2 straight games and regained the lead in the Series – 3-2. The Kazan team has only 1 step left to make it to the Finals.
Leaders
UNICS: Jalen Reynolds (30 + 11 rebounds), Nenad Dimitrijevic (22 + 10 assists).
Lokomotiv Kuban: Karvel Anderson (20), Jaylen Barford (15 + 6 rebounds), Vladislav Emchenko (13), Patrick Miller (10 + 5 assists), Okaro White (10).
What’s next
May 19 in Krasnodar.
