MBA-MAI defeated Avtodor at home – 88:81 (21:21, 19:20, 24:20, 24:20)
Game progress
Andrey Zubkov reached the 2,000th point for his career already on the first possession. Avtodor responded with 2 three-pointers. Zubkov remained efficient on the offensive end and helped the hosts briefly take the lead, but the score was tied by the end of the first quarter – 21:21.
The second quarter had a similar scenario. Jamal Jones gave the Saratov team a minimal lead by halftime. Jones finished the first half as the best scoring player (14 points), ahead of Zubkov (13).
MBA-MAI leader took the lead in the third quarter. His 13 points finally gave the hosts a confidence before last quarter. The Moscow team was better in rebounding and better on offense, but good shooting percentage and free throws allowed Avtodor to keep the opponent close.
Key moment
MBA-MAI and Avtodor commit more fouls than any other team in the League. In the first half of the 4th quarter, the Saratov team lost forward Egor Sychkov with 5 fouls. Then forward Aleksandr Petenev left as well. Despite this, the guests went into clutch.
The critical moment was Bryant Crawford turnover, after which the hosts managed to get win confidently.
X-factor
Andrey Zubkov scored 32 points with 14 of 19 shots made from the field and 3 of 5 three-pointers, setting the VTB League season-high and career-high.
Caleb Agada, who has been on the rise lately, was absent from Avtodor for personal reasons.
Facts
32 points – the second best scroing game in MBA-MAI history. Vladislav Trushkin had the all-time high 34 points last season also versus Avtodor.
Andrey Zubkov became the 12th player in VTB League history to reach 2,000 career points.
MBA-MAI got 4th straight win over the Saratov team. The rivalry hisotry score is 6:3.
Leaders
MBA-MAI: Andrey Zubkov (32 + 6 rebounds), Evgeny Voronov (14 + 5 rebounds), Makar Konovalov (12 + 6 assists), Vladislav Trushkin (11 + 5 rebounds).
Avtodor: Bryant Crawford (23 + 5 assists), Dmitry Khaldeev (16 + 8 rebounds), Egor Sychkov (15), Jamal Jones (14).
What’s next
MBA-MAI: December 4 at home against Pari Nizhny Novgorod.
Avtodor: December 4 on the road versus Enisey.
