Pari Nizhny Novgorod won the home game against Lokomotiv Kuban, getting the 4th place in the Group A – 75:70 (23:17, 21:16, 10:10, 21:17).
Game progress
Pari Nizhny Novgorod (16-12) and Lokomotiv Kuban (16-13) had taking 4th and 5th places in the Group A. Nizhny Novgorod beat Zenit and UNICS in the previous 2 home games.
Nizhny took the lead in the first quarter after Aleksandr Chadov three-pointer (23:12). Loko reduced the gap and looked better in the second quarter. Jaylen Barford helped the guests coming off the bench with 11 points by halftime. As for the hosts, Nikola Rebic had 14 points and 5 assists with 5 out of 7 from the game. At the end of the first half, the Volga team had a minimal lead – 44:43.
The game was equal in the third quarter, and teams scored 20 points combined – 10:10.
Key moment
The game result was decided in the end, in which both teams looked great in defense. Maksim Salash made an and-one (73:70). A little later, after another good defensive play by Pari NN, the same Salash set the final score in a fastbreak. The Volga team finished the season without defeats against Loko.
Fact
Nizhny Novgorod practically guaranteed the 4th place and the home corut advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Loko in the remaining rounds must not only to beat UNICS and CSKA, but also to hope for Nizhny losing to MBA and the Army team.
Key factor
The previous rivals games ended dramatically. In 68 seconds, Zoran Lukic team made a comeback and Salash brought Pari NN the win. The Belarusian forward scored a key and-one in today’s game.
Leaders
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: Nikola Rebic (14 + 5 assists), Maksim Salash (12 + 6 rebounds), Dragan Apic (12 + 6 rebounds), Aleksandr Gankevich (11 + 6 rebounds).
Lokomotiv Kuban: Jaylen Barford (22), Chris Horton (11), Okaro White (7 + 7 rebounds).
Next games
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: road game against MBA on March 15.
Lokomotiv Kuban: home game versus UNICS on March 19.
