Lokomotiv Kuban defeated Avtodor at home – 80:72 (26:10, 14:16, 22:29, 18:17).
Game progress
Loko started the game with a 14-3 run. Avtodor couldn’t score, and the situation was complicated by Jamal Jones injury. The Saratov team finished the quarter with 3 of 16 field-goals made (18.8%). The hosts continued to be efficient and had a significant lead by the second quarter (26-10).
Jones returned and helped Avtodor to get the initiative and began to chase the Krasnodar team. However, Loko was able to survive and had a 14-point lead by halftime.
In the third quarter, the difference began to decrease again. The guests equalized the overall efficiency. Jones fixed a 7-point difference before the final quarter.
Key moment
By the middle of the quarter, a 10:3 run allowed the Saratov team to tie the game for the first time since the start – 65:65. However, the guests failed to achieve more and even temporarily took the lead. Milenko Bogicevic 2 timeouts didn’t help his players regain the confidence and Loko took the win, nearly losing it in the second half.
X-factor
The first quarter was the key. Avtodor poor field-goal percentage (18.8%) led to a 16-point difference, and the guests efforts were only enough to make up the difference, but not to win.
Facts
Andrei Vedischev ties with Georgios Bartsokas in wins (22). For beating Sergey Bazarevich, the coach needs 6 wins.
Rivalry history score is 19-4, Loko leads. The last time Avtodor won in Krasnodar on December 2019 (76:74).
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Patrick Miller (20 + 6 rebounds + 8 assists), Isaiah Whaley (11 + 7 rebounds), Antonius Cleveland (10 + 6 rebounds)
Avtodor: Jamal Jones (16), Kerem Kanter (14 + 9 rebounds), Caleb Agada (10).
What’s next
Lokomotiv Kuban: February 6 on the road against MBA-MAI
Avtodor: February 6 at home versus Pari Nizhny Novgorod.
