Lokomotiv-Kuban beat Nizhny Novgorod at home – 87:83 (21:20, 20:21, 27:17, 19:25)
Top scorers
Lokomotiv-Kuban: Johnny O’Bryant (20 + 5 assists), Will Cummings (20), Alan Williams (12 + 11 rebounds).
Nizhny Novgorod: Brandon Brown (19), Michael Jenkins (15 + 5 assists), Darral Willis (14 + 9 rebounds).
Story
Lokomotiv Kuban (8-4) in the last game of 2019 won on the road vs Khimki and was holding 3rd place. Nizhny Novgorod took 7th place with the result (5-6). The first half was an equal fight. Loko set the rythm in the opening, but the hosts’ maximum distance after the next shot by Alan Williams (12 points, 9 rebounds by the half time) was only 5 points (17:12). In the second quarter, Nizhny Novgorod seized the initiative, but achieved the same +5 in the 10-minute period (38:33). After 20 minutes the expected score of 41:41 appeared on the scoreboard.
After a side switch, Johnny O’Bryant played well and scored 12 points in 5 minutes (57:52). Loko in the middle of the third quarter managed to leave its basket untouched for 3 minutes. At the same time, two three pointers by Mindaugas Kuzminskas went in (63:52). The Kubanians retained their double-digit advantage by the final quarter (68:58).
Key moment
Nizhny Novgorod with Michael Jenkins in a lead (11 points) throughout the fourth quarter tried to overtake the opponent and moved the game to the ending. They had their chances to save the game until the last minute, when, after hit of Darral Willis (83:87) and steal from Evgenii Baburin, they rushed to a quick offensive possession. 15 seconds before the buzzer, the captain of black and white threw from behind the arc to raise the intrigue to the limit, but missed. Willis took the offensive rebound, but with the ball flew over the front and in a difficult situation made a turnover. After that, Loco did not even allow Nizhny Novgorod to commit a tactical foul. Loko are now behind CSKA for one victory, and Nizhny Novgorod are on the ninth position.
Hero
Johnny O’Bryant. The big helped Loko create a solid lead in the third and then made a few important makes in the end – 20 points and 5 assists.
Stat
42 – the amount of free throws taken by Loko’s players. 4th result this season
Comments
Lokomotiv-Kuban head coach Evgeny Pashutin:
– We expected tight game because Nizhny Novgorod is a spirited team that play tough physical basketball. We spent a lot of time without games, only practices. I’m happy for the team because today we showed our spirit, of course we made mistakes but then recovered played good D and were controlling opponents’ leaders. The plan was built on our rivals scoring less than 80 points. We didn’t follow it fully but we are working on our defense. The key quarter was the third that we won with 10 points ahead. We calmed down, began playing more smart basketball. We will analyze the mistakes to minimize them before the next game.
Nizhny Novgorod head coach Zoran Lukic:
– I will be brief. We didn’t deserve the win tonight. We were lacking a few details but I know for sure what’s the loss’ cause. This is that kind of problem that should be solved in locker room. We should inspire our team to play till the very end, in the same rythm that we play other parts od the game.
Next
Lokomotiv-Kuban: January 18 at Tsmoki-Minsk
Nizhny Novgorod: January 18 vs PARMA
