Pari Nizhny Novgorod defeated MINSK – 89:60 (28:18, 23:10, 25:6, 13:26).
Game progress
MINSK closed the standings last year, but strengthened well in the off-season. Pari Nizhny Novgorod stopped one step away from medals in the recent SuperCup. For the renewed Minsk team the game against a strong opponent became a test of strength.
Nizhny Novgorod confirmed the status of favourites from the very start of the game. Zoran Lukic team forced MINSK to make 7 turnoverss in the first 10 minutes of the game and took a double-digit lead – 28:18.
Grigoriy Motovilov stood out for MINSK, scoring 16 points in the first half. But it wasn’t enough to equalize. Pari NN centers performance and 10 points from Bryon Allen allowed the guests to increase their lead to 23 points by the halftime.
In the second half Rostislav Vergun team were unable to organise a comeback. Aleksandr Gankevich and Andrey Vorontsevich continued to dominate in the paint. Allen and Glenn Causey confidently made mid range shots and three-pointers. As a result, the guests consolidated their lead and finished the game with the score 89-60.
Key factor
Pari NN players were able to create a comfortable lead due to aggressive defence. Nizhny made 13 offensive rebounds – 8 more than their opponents. With such number of offensive rebounds and second-chance points, Zoran Lukic team won so convincingly.
Fact
Motovilov made his debut for MINSK. The guard showed his intentions to become the team’s leader in the new season, scoring 19 points on 56% shooting from the game.
Leaders:
MINSK: Grigoriy Motovilov (19), Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson (11 + 6 assists).
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: Aleksandr Gankevich (13), Bryon Allen (12 + 3 steals), Dmitry Khvostov (11 + 5 assists), Ivan Strebkov (10).
What’s next
MINSK: 8 October on the road against Enisey
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: 5 October at home against UNICS.
