MBA defeated Avtodor in Saratov – 74:71 (15:13, 18:24, 21:23, 20:11).
Game progress
From the very first minutes, the game was equal. The rivals had troubles with scoring points in alsuch a game. There was only one shot in 6.5 minutes. Only at the end of the opening quarter the opponents finally get better in offense.
But there was no leader even after such first quarter. The Saratov team responded to MBA offense with the individual skills. Rayshawn Hammonds, Malik Newman and Brandon Garrett combined for 28 points in the first half. Hammonds helped Avtodor to get a lead by the halftime – 37:33.
Key moment
The game was equal in the second half. Maksim Barashkov was the hero of the ending. His 2 three-pointers gave MBA a 4-point lead 46 seconds before the end – 73:69.
Hamonds cut Avtodor deficit – 71:73, and Vladislav Trushkin miss could give the hosts a chance for redemption. But the Saratov team first failed to get the rebound, and then allowed the Moscow team to waste out the clock. The guests kept the score and extended the winning streak.
X-factor
Three-pointers became the key in this game. The hosts made only 3 of 21 long-range shots (14.3%). The Moscow team, on the other hand, showed an excellent percentage – 47.4% (9 of 19).
Fact
MBA remains the hottest team in the League. For the it was the team’s fifth win in a row(MBA all-time best). Vasily Karasev team made it into top 4 in Group B and is seriously aiming for the Playoffs. For Karasev himself, today’s win was his 30th as the Moscow team head coach.
Leaders
Avtodor: Rayshawn Hammonds (20 + 8 rebounds), Brandon Garrett (14), Malik Newman (13).
MBA: Alexander Khomenko (17), Andrey Lopatin (14 + 7 rebounds), Maksim Barashkov (11).
What’s next
Avtodor (16-19): March 31 at home versus Astana
MBA (14-21): March 31 at home against Pari Nizhny Novgorod.
