PARMA defeated Lokomotiv Kuban at home – 93:88 (34:25, 20:22, 15:16, 24:25).
Game progress
Although the Krasnodar team came to Perm as favorites, the hosts gave one of the League leaders a real fight in the first half. The opening quarter was one of the best scoring of the season for the Perm team, as Timofey Yakushin and Samson Ruzhentsev had no trouble dealing with Loko defense. The difference between the teams was 13 points. Only after that Andrei Vedischev team woke up and managed to get back into the game with long-range shots. PARMA continued to lead, but without a double-digit advantage – 54:47.
Key moment
The efficiency dropped in the second half. Loko pursued the Perm team, but couldn’t take the initiative. However, midway through the final quarter, Patrick Miller and Antonius Cleveland helped Loko to get the lead for the first time since the start of the game. Alex Hamilton equalized, and from that point on the lead changed constantly.
The game went into clutch. Miller missed difficult shot. On the next possession, Royce Hamm made 1 of 2 free-throws, bringing the difference to 3 points. B.J. Johnson tried to go into the paint, but lost the ball. This turnover was decisive – Loko never managed to made any single shot again.
X-factor
Despite the close score, PARMA had better game than Loko on most key stats. However, the main one was three-point shooting. The Perm team made 11 of 16, which resulted in season-high 68.8%.
Facts
PARMA had the last home game of the year and delighted the fans before the break with the win and rehabilitating for the loss to Enisey.
Royce Hamm made his 8th double-double of the season. He leads the League with huge lead. Hamm also made 500th rebound for his career in the League. Timofey Yakushin fell 1 point short of 1,000 points in the VTB League.
Leaders
PARMA: Alex Hamilton (22 + 6 rebounds + 6 assists), Royce Hamm (18 + 10 rebounds), Timofey Yakushin (18), Dmitry Cheburkin (10 + 6 rebounds), Stanislav Ilnitskiy (8 + 5 rebounds), Samson Ruzhentsev (8 + 6 assists).
Lokomotiv Kuban: Antonius Cleveland (21), Patrick Miller (20), B.J. Johnson (16), Kirill Elatontsev (9 + 5 blocked shots).
What’s next
PARMA: December 17 on the road against Astana
Lokomotiv Kuban: December 18 at home versus MBA-MAI
