Lokomotiv Kuban defeated UNICS on the road in the Finals Game 1 – 88:76 (22-23, 20-14, 21-22, 25-17).
Game progress
The Final Series between UNICS and Lokomotiv Kuban had started in Kazan. The first quarter was equal. The Kazan team got the lead – 23:22. In the second quarter, Loko kept the momentum, Chris Horton made his shots, but UNICS refused to outscore the opponent. The Krasnodar team led by the halftime – 42:37. The hosts three-pointer percentage was poor in the first half, while the guest shooters kept up their pace (5 out of 10).
Key moment
Halfway through the fourth quarter, Jalen Barford scored a three-pointer and started a 9-0 run, with Horton and Okaro White backing up. As a result, the Krasnodar team took the lead – 80:67, just minutes before the end. Defense played at least as important a role in the guests success. Great actions on the court allowed Loko not only to get ahead, but also to win the game.
Fact
UNICS lost at home for the first time in the current Playoffs. Before that, there were 2 wins over PARMA-PARI and 4 over Zenit. Considering the Regular Season, the Kazan team has not lost in Basket Hall since February 26 (Zenit).
Key factor
During the Series against Zenit, UNICS relied on Nenad Dimitrijevic. In Games 5, 6 and 7, the Macedonian guard averaged 26.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. Neno couldn’t repeat his performances tonight, averaging just 13 points on 6 out of 14 from the game. The leaders unsuccessful actions affected the team’s offense.
Leaders
UNICS: Daryl Macon (16), Marcos Knight (14 + 5 rebounds), Nenad Dimitrijevic (13 + 5 assists), Louis Labeyrie (11 + 6 rebounds), Vince Hunter (11 + 6 rebounds).
Lokomotiv Kuban: Jaylen Barford (17 + 5 rebounds), DeVaughn Akoon-Persell (12), Chris Horton (11 + 12 rebounds).
Next game
May 8 in Kazan
