Uralmash beat Avtodor in Saratov – 86:85 (19:19, 31:11, 20:29, 16:26).
Game progress
Unlike Avtodor, the game had no tournament significance for the guests – the Yekaterinburg team has won the Group B already. However, Uralmash had never lost on the road at the second stage and clearly intended to extend that streak. That’s why the guests tried to eliminate any questions in the first half. Despite the absence of Octavius Ellis and Stanley Whittaker, Uralmash won the second quarter 31:11. By the halftime, Avtodor trailed by 20 points – 50:30.
Milenko Bogicevic managed to change the mood of the team and in the third quarter Avtodor seriously added on defense. Taking advantage of Uralmash fouls and three-pointers, the hosts began to make a comeback quickly. After Dusan Beslac shot, the big difference melted away to just 3 points. Ivan Pynko and Anton Glazunov made it a double-digit again, but the end of the game promised to be tense.
Key moment
The final quarter was a thriller. Malik Newman led Avtodor and had the lead twice (for the first time since the first quarter). 10 seconds before the end, Kirill Pisklov gave Uralmash back the lead – 86:85. Newman could have been the hero, but hmissed his shot.
Uralmash extends its winning streak to 7 games, but Avtodor has not yet secured its third place in the group against MBA.
X-factor
In the absence of Ellis and Whittaker, Russian players came to the forefront. Anton Glazunov was one of the most notable players in the second half, and Kirill Pisklov made the game-winning shot on the last possession (with the same Glazunov assist).
Fact
Uralmash continues to be the best road team of the second stage with 7 straight won games.
The 20 points is one of the biggest comebacks of the season. Runa scored the same against Astana, and Loko 22 points against UNICS is the season-high.
Leaders
Avtodor: Malik Newman (17 + 6 rebounds), Rayshawn Hammonds (15), Sindarius Thornwell (14 + 11 assists), Dominic Mavra (11), Dusan Beslac (9 + 6 rebounds).
Uralmash: Tyrell Nelson (21 + 5 rebounds), Garrett Nevels (18 + 5 rebounds), Anton Glazunov (16 + 7 assists), Kirill Pisklov (12).
What’s next
Avtodor (18-21): April 14 on the road versus Pari Nizhny Novgorod
Uralmash (25-14): April 13 at home against Runa.
