Astana beat Samara at home – 94:92 OT (21:23, 21:21, 16:14, 26:26, 10:8).
Game progress
The was no clear leader at the start of the game. The hosts traditionally relied on their leaders. In the first quarter, the hosts starting five only scored points. THe Volga team head coach Drazen Anzulovic used wide rotation. But such tactics didn’t help the guests in the first half at all. Samara had the 2-point lead by the halftime – 44:42.
Key moment
In the fourth quarter, Samara managed to take an 8-point lead. But the hosts still managed to take the game into overtime with Markell Johnson outstanding perfromance – 84:84.
In the overtime, the game was equal. But in the end, the Volga team decided to make a foul, Johnson made both free throws 9 seconds before the end – 90:88. In the return possession, Samara forward Hayden Dalton tried to make three-pointer for the win, but missed.
X-factor
Markell Johnson, Devin Davis and Vadim Sherbak actions were a key factor in the hosts win in this game. Astana leaders scored 58 of their team’s 94 points (61.7%).
Fact
Samara will play against Uralmash in Yekaterinburg on April 17. The winner of this game will get the 7th seed in the Playoffs.
Astana at the finish of the season was able to end 7-game losing streak. Samara lost on the road for the first time after 4 straight road wins.
Markell Johnson set the VTB League record in total steals in 1 season (86).
Leaders
Astana: Markell Johnson (39 + 5 assists), Devin Davis (19 + 11 rebounds), Vadim Scherbak (12).
Samara: Mikhail Kulagin (19), Hayden Dalton (17 + 9 rebounds), Justin Roberson (13 + 6 rebounds), Javontae Hawkins (12), Nikola Rebic (10 + 6 assists), James Thompson (6 + 10 rebounds).
What’s next
Astana (13-27): season is over
Samara (22-18): April 17 on the road against Uralmash.
