Astana defeated Runa on the road – 75:70 (16:20, 16:15, 20:18, 23:17).
Game progress
In the absence of Royce Hamm, Astana emphasized long-range shots at the start of the game, but made only 2 of 7. Runa players traditionally moved the ball, which gave them an early lead – 17:12. But soon the Vikings had problems in offense – the hosts were unable to score points for 4 minutes and had 6 turnovers in the middle of the second quarter. Fotis Takianos team took advantage of it and after Carvel Anderson 7 points was able to tie the game. Still, the Moscow team took the lead by the halftime – 35:32.
In the third quarter, the Moscow team was able to neutralize Anderson in defense, and Jordan Skipper-Brown took leader responsibility. The forward scored 10 points and helped the Kazakh team to minimize the difference before the last quarter – 53:52.
Key moment
The final quarter started with Aleksa Radanov quick 5 points, which solidified Runa lead – 58:54. But the guests were able to get the initiative back. First, Astana tied the score and after 2 long-range shots took the lead – 69:63.
The Vikings had just under 5 minutes to change the game. But the hosts committed 2 fouls, Morgan missed twice and then fouled Skipper-Brown, who made both free throws. After that, the difference grew to 5 points and the hosts had no time left for a comeback. Astana survived in the end to end losing streak.
X-factor
The Kazakh team played without Royce Hamm and Devin Davis. In such conditions, main bigman role was held by Jordan Skipper-Brown, who coped with it best. He had his best game for Astana with 18 points and 11 rebounds, which helped the team change the game in the second half.
Fact
The win over the Vikings was the first road success for head coach Fotis Takianos. Astana also managed to end a long series of failures on the road – the previous away success took place on January 24 in Samara.
Leaders
Runa: Juwan Morgan (21 + 10 rebounds), Jeremiah Hill (14), Aleksa Radanov (13 + 5 rebounds), Nikola Ivanovic (11).
Astana: Markell Johnson (19 + 5 rebounds), Carvell Anderson (19 + 5 assists), Jordan Skipper-Brown (18 + 11 rebounds).
What’s next
Runa (12-20): March 21 on the road versus MBA
Astana (12-20): March 21 at home against Uralmash.
