Astana downed Zielona Gora on the road – 81:78 (26:23, 16:20, 20:18, 19:17)
Top scorers
Zielona Gora: Ivica Radic (19+8 rebounds), Tony Meier (13), Ludvig Hakanson (10)
Astana: James Florence (25), Dusan Ristic (19+17 rebounds), Jeremiah Hill (11)
Story
Astana got the early lead thanks to power start by Dusan Ristic (11 points in the first quarter). Astana were having 6-7-points lead, and only Ivica Radic got the hosts closer by the end of the first – 23:26. Radic kept leading his team in the second: two shots plus Marcel Ponitka’s three-pointer and Zielona Gora got in front. The lead was changing, but Tony Meier’s three-pointer seconds to the buzzer made it 43:42 for the hosts by the halftime.
Zielona Gora were trying to increase the lead and even had +7, which could be critical given the intensity of the game. However, recently signed James Florence sank two three-pointers in the late third quarter to get the lead back.
Key moment
With two minutes to go and 73:72 for Astana, it looked like the OT was coming. But then Florence caught the fire mode, scored after the drive and made a killer three-pointer – 78:74! Nonetheless, Zielona Gora still had chance to get the OT as Malcolm hill missed the free throw after an intentional foul. The Polish team got possession 12 seconds to go and trailing by 3. However, Radic’s game-deciding attempt was no good and Astana finished their 4-games losing streak.
Hero
James Florence. It was a sesnsational debut for the American guard. Top scorer of the game, 7 three-pointers (which matches season best), plus key contribution to the final run: 11 points in the fourth quarter. Dusan Ristic deserves a credit, as he was close to get 20 points + 20 rebounds.
Stat
1st road win of Astana in 2019/20 season.
Comment
Zielona Gora head coach Zan Tabak:
“We played good basketball against a good team. The last 5 minutes decided the game. Unfortunately, at some stage we couldn’t get a single point and lost the game. And still, I’m proud of the way we play and develop.”
Astana head coach Emil Rajkovikj:
“I have to admit it’s a big win for us. Zielona Gora is good this season. Thanks to my players for this important victory over a strong team.”
Next
Zielona Gora: December 28 vs Lokomotiv-Kuban
Astana: January 5 vs Enisey
Photo
