UNICS defeated Uralmash in Yekaterinburg 87:65 (27:16, 15:21, 27:6, 22:18).
Game progress
At the start of the game, the Kazan team took advantage with 14-4 run, forcing Rostislav Vergun to take a timeout. The break revitalized hosts’ offense, but long-range shots allowed UNICS to maintain a comfortable lead for a long time. Later, Uralmash was able to get back into the game, as several steals by Igor Novikov combined with shots by Stanley Whittaker and Javonte Douglas helped the hosts get a chance to take the lead. But DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell three-pointer set the guests lead by the end of the first half – 42:37.
Key moment
UNICS started the second half with two long-range shots, and then began to play almost flawless defense. Time after time, the hosts ended the offensive struggles and managed to score only 6 points in the third quarter. The Kazan team took advantage of the opponent drought and made a run with Marcos Knight ‘s 10 points. The guests won the quarter with the score of 27:6.
The difference reached 26 points, but the Yekaterinburg team attempted a comeback. The guests prevented it with three-pointers and confidently got second consecutive win.
X-factor
Three-point shooting played an important role in UNICS’ win. The Kazan team made 14 long-range shots (53.8%).
Facts
Marcos Knight played his best game for UNICS last season on the road against Uralmash, scoring 24 points. The new visit to Yekaterinburg also went well for the Kazan team guard, as he scored 20 points and became the best scoring player of the team.
UNICS got third win of the season, moving up to the Top 5 of the standings. But Uralmash will have a chance to push the Kazan team out in case of beating PARMA on October 9.
Prior to the game with Uralmash, the Kazan team had one of the worst long-range shot percentage in the League, but was able to make more than half of their three-pointers (53.8%) for the first time in the season.
Leaders
Uralmash: Tyrell Nelson (20 + 6 rebounds), Stanley Whittaker (17).
UNICS: Marcos Knight (20), Jalen Reynolds (17 + 8 rebounds), Tony Taylor (13 + 6 assists), DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (11).
What’s next
Uralmash: October 12 at home versus Avtodor
UNICS: October 9 at home against PARMA.
