Lokomotiv Kuban defeated PARMA on the road – 80:75 (19:18, 23:22, 18:14, 20:21).
Game progress
Only a win would leave PARMA a theoretical chance to compete for fourth place in Group A. That’s why the game was tight from the start. During the first half the lead changed 7 times – one of the teams managed to take a 4-5 point lead, but the opponent got back and took the lead. Seconds before the end of the second quarter Patrick Miller scored and put the guests ahead – 42:40.
The Krasnodar team rushed in offense immediately after the second half start. Andrey Martiuk and DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell scored 13 unanswered points, Loko advantage grew to 15. However, PARMA quickly recovered from the confusion and organized a comeback with C.J. Bryce help. By the start of the final quarter, only 3 points remained from Loko big lead – 60:57.
Key moment
3 minutes before the end, Vladislav Perevalov tied the score with a three-pointer – 67:67. Loko responded with an 8:1 run and took a 7-point lead. PARMA had one last chance to safe the game, but Aleksandr Platunov lost the ball.
Lokomotiv Kuban is tied with Zenit in wins and continues to contend for the Top 3.
X-factor
The game was largely determined by the hosts turnovers. PARMA made 24 turnovers, the second worst in the United League this season after Samara 25 turnovers versus MBA.
Fact
With the win, Loko guaranteed at least 4th place – PARMA won’t catch up the Krasnodar team.
Okaro White scored his 900th point in the United League.
Leaders
PARMA: C.J. Bryce (21 + 6 assists), Aleksandr Platunov (11), B.J. Johnson (11 + 5 rebounds), Richard Solomon (9 + 7 rebounds).
Lokomotiv Kuban: Patrick Miller (15), DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (15 + 7 rebounds), Andrey Martiuk (11), Jaylen Barford (11), Maurice Ndour (10 + 5 rebounds).
What’s next
PARMA (19-15): April 10 at home versus Enisey
Lokomotiv Kuban (23-11): April 9 at home against Zenit.
