Zielona Gora outplayed UNICS at home – 92:86 (25:18, 21:17, 20:24, 26:27).
Top scorers
Zielona Gora: Iffe Lundbeg (32 + 5 assists), Geoffrey Groselle (17 + 10 rebounds), Kris Richard (16 + 6 rebounds).
UNICS: Okaro White (22 + 5 rebounds), Jamar Smith (18 + 7 assists), Jordan Morgan (16 + 8 rebounds).
Story
Zielona Gora had achieved 1-5 record before the game. UNICS had only 3 games recorded 2-1, and the last time they were beaten by Lokomotiv-Kuban.
The guests started with a 10:1 run, but the Polish team responded with Geoffrey Grosselle’s work in the paint. With two 3-pointers made by Rolands Freimanis, Zielona Gora took the lead and started running away. The team in green were balanced in offense and succeful in defense. After Iffe Lundberg’s floater, Zielona Gora reached 14-point lead, and Kris Richard’s and one extended the lead up to 16 points (41:25). UNICS responded with three-pointers by Evgeny Kolesnikov and Jamar Smith, 46:35 after the first half.
UNICS pumped up the offense in the third quarter. After Jamar Smith sank two three-pointers in 30 seconds, Kazan started the chase (57:61). However, Blake Reynolds’ long distance shot and Lundberg’s drive moved the Russian team away – 66:59.
😱 @M_Ponitka gives a gift for @GGroselle! pic.twitter.com/oxw9XWaflc
— VTB League (@VTBUL) November 14, 2020
UNICS’ snipers troop started working in the fourth quarter. Okaro White, Kolesnikov and Smith made it 80:80, and 150 seconds before the end of the game.
Key moment
UNICS took the lead after White’s another shot – 82:80. Zielona Gora matched it with Marcel Ponitka’s free throws, and then Lundberg stepped up. The Danish made a 3-pointer after time-out, and later finished long possession with another 3 (88:84). Kazan could’ve catched up after Smith’s long shot, but it was no good. Lundberg finalized the lead with good free throws which marked Polish second win of the season.
Hero
Gabriel Lundberg. The Danish made 11 of 18 field goals including 5 from beyond the arc, career high of 32 points, 5 assists and only 1 turnover in only 35 minutes. His two three-pointers were decisive.
Stat
1. Zielona Gora’s first win over UNICS. Kazan won four previous games.
Comment
Zielona Gora head coach Zan Tabak:
“I am really happy for the guys, for our organisation. Since im here this is victory against strongest opponent. For me its really special because its a bonus for all hard work we are putting in on a Daily basis on the court.”
UNICS head coach Dimitris Priftis:
“In this game for the most part Zielona Góra deserved to win. At the end we started to play little bit more correct, but we gave them opportunity to hit 3 point shot. Its a bad loss.”
Next
Zielona Gora: December 6 at Enisey
UNICS: November 22 vs Khimki
Photo
