MBA beat Runa on the road – 82:75 (19:19, 21:23, 21:12, 21:21).
Game progress
The fate of the last play-in spot depended in the Moscow derby result, so the teams got into the fight from the start. This resulted in a lot of contact and fouls, and the emotional heat even led to unsportsmanlike fouls. Both Runa and MBA built the offense through the paint – in the first quarter, the rivals scored only 1 three-pointer. In the middle of the second quarter, the guests managed to make an 8:0 run and take the lead – 32:25. Ilia Popov corrected the situation and gave the Vikings an advantage in size. The hosts had a lead by the halftime – 42:40.
Key moment
Vasily Karasev team took the lead early in the second half. After Vladislav Trushkin three-pointers, MBA lead even became double-digit at the start of the final quarter – 64:54. However, Runa organized a comeback after a timeout and managed to tie the game – 68:68.
With 2-point difference a minute before the end, the guests had 3 perfect defensive possessions. Alexander Khomenko made free throws, and Lopatin mid-range shot closed the game, leaving the Vikings no chance for a comeback. MBA was able to win a key regular season game.
X-factor
Vladislav Trushkin made a significant contribution to tonight’s win. The forward scored 23 points coming off the bench and was responsible for the guests breakthrough in the third quarter. It’s noteworthy that Trushkin outscored the entire Runa bench (16 points).
Fact
MBA guaranteed 4th place in Group B and a spot in the play-in. Vasily Karasev coaching staff managed to transform the team’s over the last 2 months. MBA finished the first stage at the 12th place of the standings. The team has 9 wins and 3 losses in the second stage.
Leaders
Runa: Jeremiah Hill (17 + 10 assists + 8 rebounds), Juwan Morgan (16 + 11 rebounds), Ilia Popov (15), Nikola Ivanovic (11 + 6 assists)
MBA: Vladislav Trushkin (23 + 5 assists), Andrey Lopatin (23), Maksim Barashkov (11), Evgeny Voronov (10).
What’s next
Runa (15-23): April 10 at home versus MINSK
MBA (17-21): April 11 at home against Astana
