Samara defeated MINSK at home – 79-71 (17:17, 21:18, 25:13, 16:23).
Game progress
Samara started with an 8-3 run, but Jakob Cebasek, Aleksander Zecevic and Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson quickly restored the tie. Thereafter, the lead changed several times. Although Samara managed to regain the lead before the halftime, the teams were separated by only a three-pointer – 38:35.
However, Drazen Anzulovic was able to readjust the team’s game at halftime. Samara started the third quarter with quick three-pointers by Ilya Platonov and Mikhail Kulagin – 48:38. The hosts defense allowed the guests to score only 13 points in 10 minutes.
Key moment
Despite a 15-point deficit, the guests found the strength to make a comeback in the final quarter. MINSK picked up the pace, and Cebasek made 3 three-pointers. Then Ogungbemi-Jackson and Benjamin-Pavel Dudu also made long-range shots – 75:71.
Still, the hosts managed to hold the lead. Justin Roberson made free throws and increased Samara lead to 6 points, and both Ogungbemi-Jackson and Cebasek their shots. Samara continues to be the favourite in the play-in battle.
X-factor
The well-known rule «Whoever wins the third quarter wins the game» worked perfectly this time. Samara’s 12-point advantage (25-13) in the third quarter was decisive.
Fact
MINSK set a United League record with 27 losses.
Jakob Cebasek set a career-high in points (23 points) and three-pointers made (6 of 10).
Leaders
Samara: Javontae Hawkins (13), Rade Zagorac (11 + 5 rebounds), Hayden Dalton (11), James Thompson (7 + 8 rebounds + 3 steals), Nikola Rebic (5 + 5 assists).
MINSK: Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson (23 + 5 assists), Jakob Cebasek (23)
What’s next
Samara (15-11): February 13 at home against Runa
MINSK (0-27): February 13 at home versus Uralmash.
