MBA-MAI defeated Astana at home – 73:49 (19:17, 18:8, 14:13, 22:11).
Game progress
The first quarter equal. But from the start of the second quarter, the hosts began to push and were focused on defense and three-pointers. The Moscow team lead became almost double-digit – 33:17. Surprisingly, in the next 6 minutes, MBA-MAI players made only single shot from the field, which allowed Astana to cut the deficit by hlaftime – 25:37.
Key moment
The advantage allowed the hosts to control the game. At the start of the final quarter, MBA-MAI had a 21-point lead – 61:40. The Moscow team didn’t let the lead slip away and calmly got win.
X-factor
The hosts had better offensive rebounding (19-4) and fewer turnovers (9-20), which turned into 26 extra possessions. This factor largely helped MBA-MAI to win.
Facts
In this game, MBA-MAI set team’s season-high 50 rebounds, which also becomes is the 3rd best of the season in the League. Astana surprised with its ability to block. The guests’ 8 blocked shots are the 2nd best of the season in the League.
Ivan Belousov had his first career double-digit scoring performance in the VTB League. Ivan Belousov scored 11 points in this game.
Leaders
MBA-MAI: Makar Konovalov (15 + 7 assists), Ivan Belousov (11), Vladislav Trushkin (10), Evgeny Minchenko (7 + 10 rebounds).
Astana: Daniel Utomi (16), Rustam Murzagaliev (11 + 5 rebounds).
What’s next
MBA-MAI: December 15 on the road against CSKA
Astana: December 11 on the road versus Zenit.
