Uralmash defeated Astana at home – 72:62 (16:14, 21:15, 20:23, 15:10).
Game progress
The absence of Markell Johnson did not prevent the Kazakh team from having good defense in first half. Daniel Utomi and Galin Smith kept the guests in the game by halftime – 37:29.
Uralmash tried to score three-pointers, despite a low shooting percentage (3 of 25, 12% for the game). Numerous missed shots did nothing to increase the lead. Astana players scored 3 points in the third quarter.
Key moment
An important role in the tense fourth quarter was played by Martin. The guard made 3 free throwsand soon Tyrell Nelson also scored and the hosts lead way 8 points 4 minutes before the end – 67:59. The Yekaterinburg team avoided a nervous ending with a comfortable lead in decisive moment.
X-factor
Viacheslav Zaitsev was the leader of Uralmash offense. The Russian guard scored 22 points with 9 of 14 made shots from the field, repeating his League career-high (19 in the regular season; 22 is the overall including Playoffs). The guard is averaging 4.5 points per game this season.
Facts
Uralmash together with Astana were the last 2 teams of the new season, which have not won at home. Uralmash had 3 losses, but today ended the streak. The Yekaterinburg team will play all November games at home.
Astana repeats its worst season start. The team previously had a similar streak in the 2015/16 season.
Astana repeated the League worst 24 turnovers.
The rivalry history score is now 4-1, Uralmash leads.
Leaders
Uralmash: Viacheslav Zaitsev (22), Johnny O’Bryant (13 + 9 rebounds), Jeremiah Martin (13 + 5 steals), Tyrell Nelson (10 + 5 rebounds).
Astana: Daniel Utomi (19 + 8 rebounds), Danila Pokhodiaev (18 + 8 rebounds), Galin Smith (12 + 6 rebounds).
What’s next
Uralmash: November 10 at home against Samara
Astana: November 10 at home versus Lokomotiv Kuban.
