Lokomotiv Kuban defeated Avtodor at home – 87:69 (17:23, 19:17, 24:15, 27:14).
Game progress
At the start of the game, both teams struggled to score for a while. The game was equal for most of the opening quarter. Avtodor managed to take the initiative. The Saratov team made two-point shots with high efficiency in the first quarter (5 of 8 – 62%). Avtodor was able to built a lead and extend it to 11 points during the second quarter. However, 5 turnovers by the guests allowed Loko to cut the deficit to 4 points by halftime.
The second half began with a 9-3 run by the hosts. A timeout called by Stipe Kulis snapped his players back to reality. The Saratov team stopped the run, but the problem with turnovers persisted. The guests committed 7 in the third quarter. This allowed Lokomotiv Kuban to enter the final quarter with a lead – 66:55.
Key moment
The Krasnodar team started the final stretch stronger, extending the lead to double digits. Avtodor tried to fight back, but solid defense and rebounding advantage (18 offensive rebounds to the opponent’s 8) allowed Loko to increase the lead and secure their fourth win over Avtodor this season.
X-Factor
Turnovers were the key factor. Avtodor committed 20, while the hosts turned the ball over just 7 times.
Facts
Rivlary history score: 24-4, Loko leads. The last time Saratov team celebrated win on November 2020 (89-85 in overtime).
This is Alen Hadzibegovic’s first game against Avtodor since the center left the Saratov team.
In the last clash between Loko and Avtodor in Krasnodar, Hadzhibegovic scored 26 points and 17 rebounds.
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Alen Hadzibegovic (19 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists), Vsevolod Ischenko (15), Anton Kvitkovskikh (14 points, 9 rebounds), Jeremiah Martin (12 points, 11 assists), Kirill Temirov (12)
Avtodor: Malik Newman (17 points, 9 rebounds), Igor Volkhin (16 points, 7 rebounds), Pavel Zemskii (14 points, 5 rebounds), Grigory Motovilov (11)
What’s next
Lokomotiv Kuban: March 22 on the road against Zenit
Avtodor: March 19 at home versus CSKA.
