Loko boosts after halftime and takes Game 1 against Uralmash

Loko boosts after halftime and takes Game 1 against Uralmash

Lokomotiv Kuban defeated Uralmash in Quarterfinals Game 1 at home – 97:65 (17:16, 16:21, 35:21, 29:7).

Game progress
Uralmash showed great defense at the start. The Krasnodar team made shot only in the 4th minute. By that time the guests already had 8 points. Andrei Vedischev team gradually overcame problems. Patrick Miller led the chase and helped to get the lead for the first time in the game – 17:16.

At the start of the second quarter, Loko already had a 5-point lead – 23:18. But the guests were able to get the initiative. Jeremiah Martin individual skill was backed up by Hayden Dalton and Yauheni Beliankou. The guests had lead by halftime – 37:33.

Key moment
At the halftime, Andrei Vedischev managed to energize the team. In the third quarter, Loko showed its trademark basketball. Aggressive defense, quick transition from defense to offense and a crazy attitude allowed the hosts to change the game. The Krasnodar team scored 35 points in 10 minutes of playing time. The quarter ended with a powerful dunk by Kirill Elatontsev, after which Loko lead became double-digit for the first time in the game – 68:58.

The hosts jspent 2 minutes to double the lead. After Miller made shot, Loko lead reached 20 points – 79:59. The Krasnodar team didn’t stop there. Lokomotiv had a strong final quarter, increased the lead even more and took confident win.

X-factor
Kirill Elatontsev showed mature basketball in this game. Loko center scored 12 points, 5 rebounds, and forced opponents to make 8 fouls. As a result, Elatontsev became the most efficient player of the game along with Miller (24).

Facts
Loko head coach Andrei Vedischev got his first career win in Playoffs game.

Today’s loss was the biggest for Uralmash in the team’s history in VTB League Playoffs.

Lokomotiv Kuban and Uralmash played their first Playoffs game against each other.

The guests had better three-point percentage (43.5%) than two-point (32.4%).

Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Patrick Miller (21), Antonius Cleveland (19), Kirill Elatontsev (12 + 5 rebounds), Vladislav Emchenko (11 + 6 assists), Isaiah Whaley (10 + 6 rebounds), Tahjere McCall (10).
Uralmash: Jeremiah Martin (13 + 5 assists), Hayden Dalton (13), Javonte Douglas (12).

What’s next
April 24 in Krasnodar.