Avtodor defeated Astana and won the 13th game of the season — 79:70 (23:11, 20:18, 18:27, 18:14).
Game progress
After the unexpected lose against MINSK in the last round, Avtodor needed to rehabilitate with Astana. And even Malik Newman, Sean Armand and Scott Machado absence did not prevent the team from being listed as the clear favorite. Moreover, the Kazakh team arrived in Saratov without Kwame Vaughn, Michael Myers and Oleg Balashov.
From the very first minutes, the hosts took the lead. Evgeniy Kolesnikov scored 7 points and provided Avtodor with a 9:2 starting lead. The Volga team did not stop there. The hosts performed well in defense and still consistently scored. Already during the first quarter, the Saratov team had a double–digit lead and and the difference was 14 points at the halftime – 43:29.
The limited rotation did not allow the Volga team to continue to defend aggressively in the second half. The guests took advantage of this. Maksim Marchuk and Markell Johnson made 2 three-pointers each and started the comeback. After Igor Kanygin free-throws, the Kazakh team trailed by only 3 – 47:50.
Key moment
Until the middle of the final quarter, the guests kept the intrigue. But at the crucial moment, Avtodor performers turned on. Rade Zagorac and Danilo Nikolic scored key shots, but Astana leader Markell Johnson missed his shots. 3 minutes before the end, the hosts lead again became double-digit – 75:65. In the remaining time, the Saratov team managed to keep the winning score and kept a good chance of getting into the playoffs.
Key factor
Rade Zagorac repeated his season-high 26 points. The forward also made 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists. The Serbian forward showed excellent efficiency – 36 points (the 11th result of the season in the League).
Fact
Avtodor caught up Samara with this win. Now the teams share the second place in the Group B. Already in the next round they will play. That game could be the key in determining one of the two Group B teams, who will play in the League playoffs.
Leaders
Avtodor: Rade Zagorac (26 + 6 assists), Evgeniy Kolesnikov (15 + 5 rebounds), Brandon Garrett (12 + 8 rebounds)
Astana: Markell Johnson (26 + 8 rebounds), Rustam Murzagaliev (12), Valery Likhodey (9 + 5 assists)
Next games
Avtodor: road game against Samara on March 21
Astana: road game versus Enisey on March 19
