MBA defeated Astana at home – 83:77 (25:22, 20:17, 16:17, 22:21).
Game progress
The hosts started the game with long-range shots. Markell Johnson scored 18 points in the first half, which included 4 three-pointers. But MBA had some hot players. Pasha Ismailov scored 9 pointsand Barashkov 2 three-pointers at the end of the second quarter gave the hosts a lead at the end of the first half – 45:39.
Key moment
The fate of the game was decided only in the end. Vladislav Trushkin long-range shot was the key. After his three-pointer in the last minute of the game, MBA lead reached 5 points – 82:77. In the remaining time, the guests amde turnovers and missed shots, while the Moscow team didn’t score free throws. The teams scored just 1 point, which allowed the hosts to keep the winning score.
X-factor
Roster depth was the key in this game. MBA bench players outscored Astana rotation (47:7) and also scored more than the Moscow team starting five (47:36).
Fact
MBA has already got 9th straight win. This is the longest active winning streak in the VTB League.
MBA can still take 3rd place in Group B at the end of the second stage. To do so, Vasily Karasev team need to win next game against MINSK and expect Avtodor to lose in Nizhny Novgorod. Right now, MBA and Avtodor have the same number of wins, but the Saratov team has an advantage in face-to-face rivalry.
Leaders
MBA: Vladislav Trushkin (20), Maksim Barashkov (12), Evgeniy Minchenko (10).
Astana: Markell Johnson (30), Karvel Anderson (18), Devin Davis (11 + 8 rebounds)
What’s next
MBA (18-21): April 14 at home against MINSK
Astana (12-27): April 14 at home versus Samara.
