Lokomotiv-Kuban Krasnodar defeated Nizhny Novgorod on the road, 93-66 (23-16, 22-15, 20-19, 28-16)
Top Scorers
Nizhny Novgorod: Ivan Strebkov (17), Ilya Popov (11 + 6 rebounds), Siim-Sander Vene (11), DeAndre Kane (4 + 10 rebounds)
Lokomotiv-Kuban: Ian Vougioukas (18 + 5 rebounds), Mardy Collins (14), Kenny Gabriel (12 + 9 rebounds), Taylor Rochestie (6 + 10 assists)
Turning Point
Krasnodar opened the game on a 12-2 run and never looked back. Ian Vougioukas scored nine points in the opening period, giving the visitors a seven-point lead, 23-16.
Nizhny briefly threatened in the 2nd quarter, trailing by two, 31-29, with 6:48 to play in the half. But Fotios Katsikaris’s men finished the period on a 14-2 run, limiting Nizhny to a pair of free throws from Alexander Gudumak.
Kuban cruised in the second half, picking up its first win of the season. Nizhny drops to 0-4.
Stat
+3 – Loko’s starters only outscored the bench by three, 48-45. 12 different men played at least six minutes for Krasnodar, giving the starters some valuable rest.
Quotes
Nizhny Novgorod head coach Arturs Stalbergs:
– We got excited after the win in the Eurocup and thought we’d have an easy time against Lokomotiv. It didn’t happen. We were sloppy on defense and didn’t finish possessions on offense. Loko played good defense against our leaders, which is why Boynton and Kane struggled. Prior to the game, Maxim Grigoryev had his first full-contact practice, and I hope he can help us soon.
Lokomotiv-Kuban head coach Fotios Katsikaris:
– Obviously, after three straight losses, we needed a win today. In preparing for this game, we didn’t focus so much on fitness, as psychology. I explained to my players that we need to win. That’s the only way we can gel. I really like the attitude the guys had starting the game. Everyone tried to give 100%. Nizhny is a dangerous, attacking team and we tried to shut down their snipers, especially Kenny Boynton. Congratulations to my players. It’s early for us to celebrate, though. We’ve got very difficult games ahead.
Up Next
Nizhny Novgorod: November 6 vs. Kalev
Lokomotiv-Kuban: November 5 vs. Parma
Snapshot
