Lokomotiv Kuban beat Enisey in Krasnodar – 97:80 (27:21, 22:13, 19:18, 29:28).
Game progress
Already in the opening period, the hosts tried to use aggressive defense, quick transition from defense to offense and international players actions, which allowed Loko to take the lead. In just over five minutes, the Krasnodar team scored 21 points and led by 15 – 21:6.
The Siberian team didn’t break down. At some point Enisey was able to freeze the pace. Such basketball helped the guests with equalising the game and began to cut the deficit. But midway through the second quarter, Loko leaders were activated again. Aleksandr Gudumak, Patrick Miller and Antonius Cleveland helped to get a comfortable 15-point lead by halftime – 49:34.
Key moment
As the third quarter progressed, the Siberian team game gave the hope for a comeback. But the hosts didn’t have enough strength. The Krasnodar team held a double-digit lead due to the individual skill of international players. The fans were delighted by productive basketball. In the final quarter, the teams combined for 57 points. But there was no intrigue. A comfortable lead allowed Loko to take the win.
X-factor
Three-pointers were the key to Loko win in this game. The hosts made 14 of 21 long-range shots (66.7%). Karvel Anderson was the main shooter. The Krasnodar team guard made 6 of 9 three-pointers, scored season-high 20 points.
Facts
The hosts has confirmed its status as one of the best offensive teams in the League. In the last 6 games of the season, Loko players scored less than 96 points only once. In January, the Krasnodar team averaged 98.6 points per game (second best in the League).
Patrick Miller had his first double-double in the VTB League with 19 points and 12 assists.
Today’s game was Dmitrii Uzinskii’s 250th in the VTB United League.
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Karvel Anderson (20), Patrick Miller (19 + 12 assists), Isaiah Whaley (15 + 5 rebounds), Aleksandr Gudumak (13), Antonius Cleveland (11 + 5 rebounds), Dmitrii Uzinskii (10).
Enisey: Timofei Gerasimov (25), Sergey Dolinin (11 + 9 rebounds), Uladzislau Blizniuk (10), Victor Sanders (10).
What’s next
Lokomotiv Kuban: January 29 at home against Pari Nizhny Novgorod.
Enisey: January 28 on the road versus Uralmash.
