Uralmash defeated Samara at home – 68:64 (20:19, 19:12, 14:17, 15:16).
Game progress
The game started with the hosts 8-point run. But the Volga team didn’t let the opponent increase the lead. Anton Kardanakhishvili opened the scoring, Mikhail Kulagin helped. After the guard long-range shot, the difference was cut to 2 points – 13:15.
At the start of the second quarter, Samara tied the score after free throw by Gleb Goldyrev. But the Yekaterinburg team was able to take the initiative due to aggressive defense, international players actions and quick transition from defense to offense. These formed the basis of the hosts breakthrough and let the lead grow to double-digits for the first time in the game – 35:25. Three-pointers by Danila Chikarev and Andrey Sopin helped the guests cut the deficit a bit, but Uralmash still had comfortable lead by halftime – 39:31.
Key moment
The game didn’t change after the halftime. The hosts continued to hold the lead, while Samara didn’t let the opponent get far. Viacheslav Zaitsev shot increased Uralmash lead to 8 points with 51 seconds left – 66:58. The guests were able to cut the deficit in the remaining time, but there was no real intrigue.
X-factor
Defense was the key to win. Samara managed to score only 64 points. The Yekaterinburg team also forced the opponent to make 19 turnovers and made 12 steals, many of which turned into easy points on fast breaks.
Facts
Vladislav Konovalov made his debut as Samara head coach today. Earlier in the VTB League he led Avtodor (4 wins in 16 games) and Enisey (6 wins in 18 games).
Mikhail Kulagin recovered from injury and participated in the game for the first time since October 15. Samara guard got 24 minutes, 12 points, 4 rebounds and 1 block.
Leaders
Uralmash: Stanley Whittaker (18), Jeremiah Martin (16 + 6 steals).
Samara: Ilia Popov (17 + 9 rebounds), Mikhail Kulagin (12)
What’s next
Uralmash: January 12 on the road against UNICS.
Samara: January 08 at home versus Zenit.