Pari Nizhny Novgorod defeated Samara on the road – 80:70 (18:17, 21:23, 19:13, 22:17).
Game progress
Throughout the first half the game was equal. The difference between the teams averaged 5 points. At the same time, each opponent had its own strengths. Nizhny Novgorod made less turnovers (6 vs 11) and had better field-goal percentage (9 of 11 – 81.8%). The hosts was better in long-range shooting (6 of 10 – 60%), dominated rebounding (16 vs 8) and had Justin Roberson (12 points). Roberson actions allowed Samara to take the lead at the end of the second quarter – 40:39.
Key moment
But the guests were more motivated in the second half. Nizhny Novgorod finally managed to organize a run. Pari NN lead reached 9 points in the final quarter – 64:55. After that, Dmitrii Khvostov, Aleksa Novakovic and Evgenii Baburin brought the guests lead to 15 points, which guaranteed the team a win – 78:63.
X-factor
Defense was one of the key factors in Pari NN win once again. The guests allowed their opponent to score only 70 points. At the same time Samara made 20 turnovers.
Fact
Samara loss allowed Uralmash to take sole leadership of Group B. The Nizhny Novgorodians are close to the play-in zone. Only one win separates them from fourth place in Group B.
Leaders
Samara: Justin Roberson (21), Aleksandr Gudumak (10 + 6 rebounds), Mikhail Kulagin (10)
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: Aleksandr Chadov (12), Andrey Vorontsevich (11).
What’s next
Samara (19-15): March 28 at home versus Uralmash
Pari Nizhny Novgorod (12-22): March 28 on the road against Runa.
