Astana outplayed Enisey at home – 95:90 (18:22, 21:19, 28:26, 28:23).
Top scorers
Astana: Malcolm Hill (29 + 5 assists), Dusan Ristic (26 + 17 rebounds), Jeremiah Hill (15 + 5 rebounds), Aleksandr Zhigulin (11).
Enisey: Davion Berry (22 + 7 rebounds + 5 assists), Tomislav Zubcic (17 + 6 rebounds), Denis Zakharov (13).
Story
Teams were cautious at the beginning. Given the intensity of the game, both counted on their centers. Dusan Ristic of Astana was top scorer of the first quarter with 9 points. However, Gudumak and Popov together outplayed him (10 points). This was a material contribution to Enisey’s interim lead 22:18.
In the second quarter, the hosts shifted their priority beyond the arc. Berry’s fire mode and Enisey’s paint domination were neutralized by three-pointers of Jeremiah Hill and Florence and mid-range shots of Ristic. The guests had been leading up to 9 points in this quarter, while Astana erased the deficit down to 1-shot-distance by the halftime – 39:41.
Key moment
The second half showed an even game, thus the result was made in the ending where the hosts had more confidence. Astana took advantage of Berry’s missed shots and opponents’ errors. The Yellow-blues gained 5-point lead (90:85) after Zhigulin’s free throws and Hill’s fast break, 90 seconds to the buzzer.
The guests, however, had their chance. Enisey reached 2-points distance (89:91) after Dustin Hogue’s pick and roll, 17 points to the end of regulation. And then Ristic made a mistake throwing in as Berry was ready to equalize after a steal, but the shot was no good. That was the laft gift made by the hosts. Astana got the win with free throws made by Dusan Ristic and Malcolm Hill.
Hero
Malcolm Hill starred in Astana’s offense this night. Hill set his new career highs in points (29), efficiency (31) and steals (3).
Stat
4 straight wins of Astana over Enisey at home court. The last time Krasnoyarsk beat Astana on the road was in 2015/16 season.
Plus, Astana reached 4-1 record at home this season.
Comments
Astana head coach Emil Rajkovikj:
“This win is crucial for us as we met a strong team ranked fourth. Drazen Anzulovic and his guys have a great season, but we showed our attitude, gave it all on court to get the victory.”
Enisey head coach Drazen Anzulovic:
“Congrats to the opponents. They were better and smarter in key moments. We had our chances, but didn’t take them. Astana showed their cool head in the clutch and won.”
Next
Astana: January 12 at PARMA
Enisey: January 13 vs Zielona Gora
