Lokomotiv Kuban defeated BETCITY PARMA at home in Game 1 – 93:80 (28:12, 19:21, 21:27, 25:20).
Game progress
From the start, both teams showed motivation. However, the hosts picked up the pace and took the initiative. The Krasnodar team scored on fast breaks and played aggressively in defense, forcing the opponent to turn the ball over and take difficult shots. After Patrick Miller made shot, the lead reached double digits midway through the quarter. Loko then extended it to 16 points by the end of the first quarter.
Tomislav Tomovic team outplayed the opponent in the paint (26 rebounds to 17) and recorded 8 steals in the first half. At one point in the second quarter, the hosts lead reached 24 points. The Perm team managed to regroup only at the end of the first half, when BETCITY PARMA made an 8-0 run in 2 minutes. After halftime, Evgeny Pashutin’s team took the initiative. The guests began moving the ball better, improved shooting percentage and cut the deficit to 8 points heading into the final quarter.
Key moment
In the final stretch, Perm team continued the comeback. After a difficult three-pointer by Brendan Adams, the guests get closer with 7 minutes remaining. However, BETCITY PARMA was ultimately unable to complete the comeback. Loko players stepped up defense and remained composed in offense. The Krasnodar team regained a double-digit lead and secured the win.
X-Factor
Turnovers were the key factor in this game. Loko committed just 10 turnovers, while Perm team had as many as 19. The hosts capitalized on this and recorded 14 steals.
Facts
The rivalry history score is 25-7, Loko leads. The last game between the teams was on April 18, with Krasnodar team took win (95-88).
BETCITY PARMA is participating in the VTB United League playoffs for the sixth time. In previous playoff runs, the Perm team has not won a single game—14 losses in 14 games.
Patrick Miller has the second-best efficiency of the season (41).
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Patrick Miller (23 points, 5 rebounds, 12 assists), Vince Hunter (17 points, 10 rebounds), Mike Moore (16 points, 6 rebounds), Jeremiah Martin (12)
BETCITY PARMA: Brendan Adams (20 points + 6 assists), Gleb Firsov (14 points + 10 rebounds)
What’s next
April 29 in Krasnodar.
