Lokomotiv Kuban defeated BETCITY PARMA at home in Game 2 – 79:76 (23:19, 23:23, 12:19, 21:15).
Game progress
Loko started the Game 2 with a 12-2 run. Anton Kvitkovskikh became the main offensive force, quickly scoring 11 points. PARMA worked on its mistakes and prevented Game 1 scenario. Instead of trailing by 16 in the opening quarter, the guests managed to tie the score, staying within one or two possessions.
The hosts launched a new offensive at the start of the second quarter. After a 2-11 run, the Perm team got far behind and was forced to compensate with hard work. The guests managed to cut the deficit back 4 points only by halftime. BETCITY PARMA defense was key factor in the first half, giving Loko 21 free throw attempts. Aleksandr Zakharov, who made 10 points in 13 minutes, picked up 4 early fouls.
After the break, BETCITY PARMA slowed down the pace and soon took control of the game, entering the final quarter as leader.
Key moment
3 turnovers at the start of the final quarter erased the guests lead. Loko regained the lead and managed to hold it. Kvitkovskikh grabbed a crucial offensive rebound with 5 seconds remaining while up by 1 and scored. Victor Sanders forced to shoot contested three-pointer and missed.
X-Factor
Loko defended better, preventing the guests from getting to the free-throw line. Despite a comparable number of fouls (20-25), the hosts earned 20 more free-throw attempts (28-8).
Facts
Jalen Adams reached 500 points in the VTB League.
Anton Kvitkovskikh tied his Playoffs-high 19 points.
PARMA committed 21 turnovers— the worst in Playoffs this season .
The second-worst (19) was recorded by Perm team in the Game 1.
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Anton Kvitkovskikh (19), Patrick Miller (16 + 6 assists), Jeremiah Martin (10 + 6 assists)
BETCITY PARMA: Brendan Adams (17 + 5 assists), Jalen Adams (10), Aleksandr Zakharov (10)
What’s next
May 3 in Perm.
