Lokomotiv Kuban defeated MBA in Moscow – 80:66 (21:19, 23:13, 18:12, 18:22).
Game progress
The teams started the game cautiously. In a tight game, there was no leader. But DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell helped the guests to get the lead at the end of the first quarter – 21:19. The Moscow team picked up the pace in the second quarter. The Krasnodar team was noticeably better in fast-paced basketball. The guests ran well, the leaders scored, and at some point MBA’s offense stood up. Not surprisingly, Loko had a double-digit lead by the halftime – 44:32.
The guests made another acceleration in the second half. Loko made 8-point run with the help of Andrey Martiuk, Jaylen Barford and Vladislav Emchenko. The Krasnodar team lead reached 20 points – 54:34.
Key moment
The Moscow team still tried to get back into the game. At the start of the final quarter, the hosts cut the difference to 11 points – 53:64. But MBA didn’t have enough energy for more. Loko leaders returned to the game and ended any hope for MBA comeback.
X-factor
Vladislav Emchenko is getting closer and closer to his best shape. The guard set his new saeson-high (16 points) and became the most efficient player (19).
Fact
The Krasnodar team is not playing well on the road this season, despite their place in the Top 4. Today’s win was only their 4th in 9 road games.
In addition, Loko has confirmed the “Akoon-Purcell rule”: when he’s not playing, the team lose much more often (1-5), and Loko has 9 wins in 10 games with Akoon-Purcell. DeVaughn was the best scorer with 17 points.
Leaders
MBA: Evgeny Minchenko (18 + 10 rebounds), Daniil Kasatkin (14 + 7 rebounds).
Lokomotiv Kuban: DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (17), Vladislav Emchenko (16), Andrey Martiuk (10).
What’s next
MBA (5-11): December 17 at home versus Zenit
Lokomotiv Kuban (10-6): December 14 at home against Enisey.
