Astana beat MINSK on the road – 89:84 OT (14:14, 23:14, 21:26, 21:25, 10:5).
Game progress
In the first quarter, the hosts relied on three-pointers and led – 12:8. However, Royce Hamm helped Astana to take the lead with dominance in the paint. MINSK defense couldn’t guard Hamm and Devin Davis. After 5 straight points from Felipe Haase, the guests lead became double-digit -30:20.
The second half started badly for Astana. 3 free throws by Jakob Cebasek and Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson activity brought the hosts within 3 points. Although Astana continued to lead, by the start of the final quarter MINSK was still in the game – 58:54.
Key moment
The end was really tense. MINSK was gradually cutting the difference with Aleksandar Zecevic and Dzmitry Kuratnik three-point shots. With 16 seconds left, Ogungbemi-Jackson cut the difference to 1 point. Astana took possession, but the hosts took advantage of a bad inbounds pass, stole the ball, and Uladzislau Mikulski gave his team a lead on a fast break 79:78. Astana had 11 seconds to respond – Davis mgot fouled in the paint, but was only able to make 1 free throw, taking the game into overtime.
In the overtime, the game was equal, but the guests got the ending. Carvel Anderson gave Astana the lead, MINSK failed to score in the next possession. After a foul on Anderson, who scored only 1 free-throw, the hosts still had a chance for a second overtime, but Ogungbemi-Jackson missed quick three-pointer. Astana picks up the 7th win of the season.
X-Factor
Royce Hamm had his 5th double-double of the season and got best performance in points and rebounds. Devin Davis also repeated the League season-high 17 rebounds.
Astana bigmen duo made only 6 rebounds less than the entire opponents’ team (31).
Fact
Astana is the only team this season with 2 overtimes. The first one was just a week ago – then the Kazakh team lost to Runa. In addition, Oleg Kiselev team won away for the first time since October 19.
Leaders
MINSK: Aleksandar Zecevic (29 + 8 rebounds), Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson (13 + 6 rebounds + 6 assists), Grigory Motovilov (12 + 7 assists), Dzmitry Kuratnik (10 + 7 rebounds)
Astana: Royce Hamm (25 + 14 rebounds), Markell Johnson (19 + 7 rebounds + 6 assists), Carvel Anderson (15 + 7 assists), Devin Davis (13 + 17 rebounds).
What’s next
MINSK (0-15): December 11 at home versus Enisey
Astana (7-8): December 11 at home against UNICS.
