UNICS defeated Samara on the road – 86:62 (22:10, 22:21, 23:17, 19:14).
Game progress
DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell helped the guests to take lead early in the game. Already in the first quarter, Aleksandr Platunov gave UNICS a double-digit lead – 18:8. But UNICS couldn’t increase the difference from the start. The hosts started play defense more aggresive and stabilized the game.
During the second quarter, the game equalised. The hosts couldn’t cut the deficit, while the Kazan team increased the lead, but not so much. UNICS had a 13-point lead by halftime – 44:31.
Key moment
Louis Labeyrie led the guests in 3rd quarter. The forward scored 8 points, and the Kazan team’s lead reached 20 – 56:36. In the final quarter, Samara tried to cut the deficit, but it never came down to a real comeback. The guests held a double-digit differencial and got win.
X-factor
Defense was the key to the Kazan team win in this game. The guests allowed the opponent to score only 62 points. This game was the second season-worst in performance for Samara.
Fact
UNICS forward Andrey Lopatin and Samara head coach Drazen Anzulovic had 150th game in the VTB League today. The anniversary didn’t go well for either of them. Lopatin left the floor early in the third quarter due to foul trouble, and Anzulovic team got 3rd loss in a row.
Leaders
Samara: Brendan Adams (20), Hayden Dalton (12)
UNICS: Louis Labeyrie (18 + 9 rebounds), DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (15), Marcos Knight (13).
What’s next
Samara: November 17 at home versus MBA-MAI
UNICS: November 17 at home against Enisey.
