MBA defeated Astana at home – 101:78 (35:19, 24:20, 27:18, 15:21).
Game progress
Vasily Karasev team got the lead from the first minutes. In the absence of injured Makar Konovalov and Daniil Kasatkin, Timofey Yakushin took over the role of team leader. The guard scored 8 points in the first 3 minutes and helped the Moscow team to make a 13-6 run. Evgeny Voronov coming off the bench contributed with 9 points and MBA had an impressive lead by the end of the first quarter 35:19.
Astana tried to stop the opponent with Royce Hamm and Markell Johnson, but failed to do so. The hosts made 54% of their 3-point shots, had a series of fast-breaks, and Yakushin had 23 points in the half. As a result, MBA lead increased to 20 points by the halftime – 59:39.
Key moment
There was no fight in the second half. Hamm and Johnson regularly scored with the help of pick-and-rolls, bringing their team 39 points combined. But it wasn’t enough for a comeback. MBA found open shots time and time again, demonstrating teamwork – 11 of 12 players scored points. The Moscow team maintained a comfortable lead and won, getting their third 100 points game in the United League.
X-factor
Timofey Yakushin played a key role in the Moscow team win. The guard led MBA offense, helped create a comfortable lead in the second quarter and set a new career-high in the League with 27 points.
Fact
MBA players scored 35 points in the first quarter, setting a new season-high in points in one quarter. Previously, this achievement belonged to UNICS, who scored 33 points in the second quarter against MINSK.
Leaders
Astana: Royce Hamm (22 + 7 rebounds), Markell Johnson (17 + 5 rebounds + 5 assists), Carvel Anderson (11), Rustam Murzagaliev (11), Devin Davis (10 + 7 rebounds).
MBA: Timofey Yakushin (27), Maksim Barashkov (18 + 5 assists), Evgeny Voronov (12).
What’s next
Astana: November 9 at home versus Lokomotiv Kuban.
MBA: November 9 at home against Enisey.
