MBA-MAI defeated Samara on the road – 80:78 (18:19, 22:10, 21:25, 19:24).
Game progress
The teams started the game equally. Makar Konovalov (13 points) led the guests. Neither side gained an advantage. But in the second quarter, the Moscow team took control of the game. Aggressive defense and great play by Konovalov and Andrey Zubkov allowed MBA-MAI to get a comfortable lead. The guests had double-digit lead by halftime – 40:29.
Mikhail Kulagin made 3 long-range shots within a minute. And after a three-pointer by Egor Amosov, the difference was cut to just 3 points- 45:48.
Key moment
The hosts were able to tie the score – 73:73. The game went into clutch. After Konovalov lay-up, the Moscow team took the lead – 80:78. The hosts could save the game. Ivan Pynko missed his three-point shot.
X-factor
Makar Konovalov set career-high 23 points and 26 eff. points, also made the game-winning shot.
Facts
This was the first game in the VTB United League in the history, where both teams played without internationals.
Samara got 7th loss in a row. Only Astana has lost more games.
Andrey Zubkov became one of the Top 4 rebounders in VTB League history. The MBA-MAI forward surpassed Sergey Monia (1,079 rebounds). Zubkov now has 1,086 rebounds.
Mikhail Kulagin scored season-high 24 points.
Leaders
Samara: Mikhail Kulagin (24), Ilia Popov (19 + 9 rebounds)
MBA-MAI: Makar Konovalov (23 + 6 assists), Andrey Zubkov (21 + 10 rebounds).
What’s next
Samara: January 14 at home versus Lokomotiv Kuban.
MBA-MAI: January 15 at home against CSKA.
