Khimki Moscow Region defeated Nizhny Novgorod at home, 90-84 (23-26, 27-19, 21-20, 19-19).
Top Scorers
Khimki: E.J. Rowland (17), Jeremy Evans (14+8 reb), Marko Todorovic (13+11 reb), Nobel Boungou-Colo (13), Alexey Shved (13)
Nizhny Novgorod: Siim-Sander Vene (23), DeAndre Kane (21+11 reb), Ivan Strebkov (15+9 reb+9 ast)
Turning Point
Despite entering the game with a 1-5 record, Nizhny did not look like a team in second-to-last place. The visitors won the 1st quarter, 26-23, and only trailed by four entering the final period.
But Khimki’s playmaking down the stretch proved too much to overcome. After DeAndre Kane cut the deficit to three, 80-77, on a three-point play with 3:35 remaining, Khimki responded with an 8-0 run to ice the outcome.
E.J. Rowland hit a layup, Alexey Shved knocked down a ‘3’, and Nobel Boungou-Colo converted three free throws after getting fouled on a 3-point attempt to put the game out of reach.
Stat
Nizhny guard Ivan Strebkov continued his hot play in the League, finishing one rebound and one assist shy of a triple-double to go with 15 points.
Quotes
Khimki head coach Dusko Ivanovic:
– This was a very important win. We played against a very quick team, with excellent perimeter shooters. We didn’t start this game the way we should have. Our defense improved in the 2nd quarter, but there were a lot of mistakes. Despite that, we won, and I’m very happy about it.
Nizhny Novgorod head coach Arturs Stalbergs:
– We held on, but we made key mistakes down the stretch and Khimki made us pay. I’m talking about our rebounding, getting back on defense, and poor percentage at the line. That’s why we lost. Our offense was good, but Khimki is an experienced team that plays with confidence at home. This was a good experience for us, but it’s time to start winning.
Up Next
Khimki: November 26 at Tsmoki-Minsk
Nizhny Novgorod: November 27 at CSKA
Snapshot
