Lokomotiv Kuban beat MBA-MAI at home – 84-65 (25:20, 25:22, 16:6, 18:17).
Game progress
The guests opened the score, but the Krasnodar team quickly took the initiative. After Kirill Elatontsev shot at the end of the first quarter, Loko had a double-digit lead – 23:13. But the Moscow team didn’t let their opponent go. Ivan Belousov (9 points in the first half) became a real joker. His shots allowed MBA-MAI to get 4 points closer to the opponent at the end of the second quarter – 40:44.
The third quarter was decisive in the game. Loko was able to shut down the opponent’s offense. The hosts didn’t look as bright in offense as they did in the first half. Still, the internationals individual actions allowed to score points. After Vladislav Emchenko free throw, the Krasnodar team had an 18-point lead – 66:48.
In the final quarter, the guests managed to reload. After Daniil Kasatkin three-pointer, MBA-MAI cut the deficit to 8 points – 60:68. But the Moscow team didn’t have enough energy for more. The hosts regained the initiative and got confident win.
X-factor
Defense was the key to win this game. After the halftime, the Krasnodar team allowed the opposing team to score only 23 points.
Facts
Lokomotiv Kuban has 6th win in a row over MBA-MAI.
The Krasnodar team repeated the best VTB League start. Loko now has 15 wins in 20 games.
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Patrick Miller (21 + 5 rebounds + 5 assists), B.J. Johnson (16 + 6 rebounds), Antonius Cleveland (11), Kirill Temirov (10).
MBA-MAI: Andrey Zubkov (14), Daniil Kasatkin (10), Makar Konovalov (10).
What’s next
Lokomotiv Kuban: December 22 at home against CSKA.
MBA-MAI: December 21 at home versus UNICS.
