Pari Nizhny Novgorod defeated Astana at home – 87:69 (23:19, 20:18, 25:14, 19:18).
Game progress
First the Volga team took a lead thanks with Aleksandr Khomenko help – 12:5. Then the guests took the initiative and got the lead – 19:14. But Nizhny Novgorod aggressive defense helped to gained back the lead – 23:19.
Throughout the second quarter, the game was equal. Only in the end Zach Nutall allowed Pari NN to slightly increase the lead. The hosts had a 6-point lead by halftime – 43:37.
Key moment
In the third quarter, the hosts turned on defensive mode. Instant ball pressure forced Astana players to make turnovers and tough shots. Nizhny Novgorod was confident in offense and systematically increased lead. Before the final quarter, Pari NN had a 17-point lead – 68:51. The comfortable difference allowed the hosts to get a confident win.
X-factor
With more rebounds (13-7) and less turnovers (15-22), the hosts had 13 extra possessions. Those shots largely helped the Volga team to create a comfortable lead.
Fact
Pari NN got 8th win in 14 games. Last season, the Volga team had 7 wins in the entire first stage of the regular season (26 games).
Leaders
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: Zach Nutall (15), Aleksandr Khomenko (14 + 6 steals), Sergey Zotkin (13 + 7 assists), Artem Antipov (10 + 5 rebounds).
Astana: Daniel Utomi (15 + 6 assists), Galin Smith (12), Askar Madeikin (11), Magzhan Sarsengaliev (10).
What’s next
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: November 17 on the road against Uralmash.
Astana: November 16 on the road versus CSKA.
