Enisey defeat Astana at home – 96:92 (24:24, 27:28, 21:29, 24:11).
Game progress
The hosts took the lead from the start with Mikel Hopkins and Jeremiah Martin help. In the middle of the starting quarter, the Siberian team had a double-digit lead – 15:5. The guests responded with three-pointers by Carvel Anderson, Adam Kunkel and Felipe Haase allowed Astana to equalize, and the teams were tied – 24:24.
The second quarter turned into a sharpshooting duel, Astana players looking noticeably better. After Carvel Anderson three-pointers, the guests had an 8-point lead – 44:36.
Yauheni Beliankou boosted the hosts with entrance from the bench, the Belarusian forward shut down Anderson on defense. Andrey Toptunov and Beliankou organized a comeback. As a result Astana retained the lead – 52:51.
Astana kept up the same offensive rhythm in the third quarter. The unstoppable Anderson and Kunkel made shots time after time, and by the end of the quarter, the guests had the lead – 81:72.
Key moment
The hosts were able to stop their opponent offense in the fourth quarter. With good defense, the Krasnoyarsk team caught up with Astana. The game result was finally decided only in the very end. Markell Johnson three-pointer cut the lead to a minimum 8 seconds before the end – 92:93. Astana had some hope, which was dashed by Andrey Toptunov. Enisey guard ran away from his opponents who tried to commit a foul. The Kazakh team players were only able to stop the guard with an unsportsmanlike foul. Toptunov himself and then Beliankou made 3 of 4 free throws, setting the final score – 96:92.
X-factor
Andrey Toptunov became a key player for Enisey. The young guard made important shots in the second quarter and at the end of the game, set ahis League career-high (12 points).
Fact
Enisey remains the only team in the League that has not lost at home yet. Today’s win was their fifth, the team’s winning streak is already 9 games. The last time Enisey lost in Krasnoyarsk on February 8 against Avtodor.
Leaders
Enisey: Xavier Rathan-Mayes (21 + 8 assists), Mikel Hopkins (16 + 9 rebounds), Jeremiah Martin (14 + 7 assists), Andrey Toptunov (12), Yauheni Beliankou (10).
Astana: Carvel Anderson (28), Adam Kunkel (20), Markell Johnson (19 + 12 assists), Royce Hamm (12 + 10 rebounds), Devin Davis (10 + 10 rebounds).
What’s next
Enisey (8-4): November 27 away against Uralmash
Astana (5-6): November 27 at home versus Samara.
