MINSK defeated Avtodor at home – 81:65 (22-19, 22-17, 20-11, 17-18).
Game progress
The previous (and the only) MINSK win was in mid–November – then Enisey was defeated on the road. The Belarusian team has already lost chances for the playoffs, while Avtodor, which took 3rd place in the Group B before this game, had a good chance of extending the season.
And the beginning of the game showed why the Saratov team was considered the favorite: Rade Zagorac opened the score and at the end of 4 minutes Avtodor led by 4 points, allowing the opponent to score only 4 points. The guests had the lead throughout the first quarter, but MINSK had the last word: Benjamin-Pavel Dudu made a three–pointer, put the hosts ahead for the first time in the game – 22:19.
MINSK managed to maintain the lead at the end of the first half. Malik Newman did not score a single point in 15 minutes and by the halftime made only 2 free-throws. The Saratov team was already seriously trailed – 36:44. In many ways, the Belarusian team lead was formed with Uladzislau Blizniuk 19 points by the end of the second quarter!
MINSK has repeatedly demonstrated a strong start this season, after which the team slowed down. But in this game everything was different: the hosts gained a good pace and at some point the difference reached 18 points – 59:41.
Key moment
The Belarusian team started the decisive quarter with 17-point lead and did not allow Avtodor to make a comeback. Malik Newman and Brandon Garrett made shots upset MINSK fans couple times, but at the same time the Saratov team still trailed by a double-digit.
MINSK got a confident win, which was their first home this season and the first in general since mid-November. MINSK losing streak was 18 games in a row.
Key factor
Avtodor free-throws. The Volga team often forced opponents to make fouls, but free-throws percentage was much lower than normal – only 15 out of 30 (50%).
At the same time it is worth noting MINSK. Uladzislau Blizniuk made a double-double of 21 points and 10 assists, and Uladzislau Mikulski had his best game in the League: 20 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds.
Fact
With the win, MINSK further confused the situation in the Group B. Now PARMA-PARI has strengthened on the 1st place, and 3 teams have similar stats: Avtodor (12-17), Samara (12-17) and Enisey (12-18).
Leaders
MINSK: Uladzislau Blizniuk (21 + 10 assists), Uladzislau Mikulski (20 + 5 assists), DeQuan Bracey (10)
Avtodor: Rade Zagorac (19), Malik Newman (11 + 5 rebounds)
Next games
MINSK: home game against PARMA-PARI on March 17
Avtodor: homeg ame versus Astana on March 16
