Pari Nizhny Novgorod defeated Samara at home – 80:75 (16:13, 15:21, 27:17, 22:24).
Game progress
The first half was equal. Both teams frequently scored three-pointers, Samara handled with them better. The hosts made up for missed shots with strong rebounding and Kirill Popov.
The start of the third quarter was crucial, as the hosts shooters stepped up, including another three-pointer by Popov. The strong start inspired Pari NN to play aggressive defense. By the middle of the quarter, Nizhny had built a double-digit lead.
Key moment
Popov and Alexander Khomenko allowed Nizhny to mount a 6-2 run in the opening minutes of the decisive quarter, which once again pushed Samara back by more than 10 points. After that, the hosts controlled the game.
X-Factor
Kirill Popov had the best scoring game of his career (35 points) and became the 17th Russian player to score 30 or more points.
Facts
Rivalry history score is 7-6, Pari NN took the lead.
The two previous derbies this season went to the visiting team. Today, the hosts ended that trend.
Before the game, Nizhny and Samara had identical field goal percentages—42.5%.
Sergey Kozin earned his 30th victory in the VTB League (the coach has coached 83 games).
Pari NN’s 50th point marked the team’s 35,000th in the VTB United League.
Leaders
Pari NN: Kirill Popov (35 points + 5 rebounds), Ilya Karpenkov (16 points + 11 rebounds), Alexander Khomenko (15 points + 6 assists), Daniil Klyuchenkov (5 points + 10 rebounds)
Samara: Artem Chevarenkov (18), Nikita Mikhailovskii (18 + 8 rebounds + 5 assists), Danila Pokhodiaev (14)
What’s next
Pari NN: March 29 on the road against Avtodor
Samara: March 25 at home versus Lokomotiv Kuban.
