PARMA defeated UNICS in Kazan – 89:86 (21:25, 28:31, 16:13, 24:17).
Game progress
PARMA immediately showed seriousness to win. Until the middle of the second quarter, the game was equal, but the Kazan team made a mini 7:0 run that helped them pull away. However, the hosts still couldn’t get a comfortable lead by the halftime – 56:49.
The third quarter started with Aleksandr Platunov 2 three-pointers and Richard Solomon 2 dunks. Velimir Perasovic was forced to take a timeout, but PARMA continued to press, as Isaiah Reese put the guests ahead. In the second half, the pace of the game slowed down. Evgeny Pashutin team made a 12:0 run at the start of the fourth quarter, and UNICS had to catch up.
Key moment
As usual, Nenad Dimitrijevic took control of the game in a critical situation. His 8 straight points helped UNICS tie the score – 81:81. The game turned into clutch. Reese and Dimitrijevic exchanged shots, and then C.J. Bryce scored another – 85:83. The Kazan team had about a 1.5 minute to save the game, but Dimitrijevic and Erick Green missed their shots, and Reese brought the guests lead to 4 points.
The last opportunity for UNICS was a three-pointer by Green, which cut the Kazan team lead to a minimum (87:86). But B.J. Johnson coolly made free throws after a tactical foul, and UNICS had no time to reply.
The Kazan team continues to lead the League, but CSKA could equal in wins as early as April 1. PARMA increased the lead over Enisey and kept their chance to move into the Top 4.
X-factor
UNICS outperformed the opponent in most stats – rebounded better, had more assists and less turnovers. However, PARMA was better in shooting percentage. The Perm team made two-pointers (63.4% vs. 51.1%) and long-range shots better (44.4% vs. 43.5%). Interestingly enough, UNICS leads the League in field-goal percentage.
Fact
PARMA has beaten UNICS 3 times this season, which is more than in the previous rivalry history (14-2 before this season).
Leaders
UNICS: Louis Labeyrie (19), Erick Green (17 + 5 rebounds), Ismael Bako (13 + 7 rebounds), Jalen Reynolds (13 + 8 rebounds + 3 steals), Nenad Dimitrijevic (12 + 8 rebounds).
PARMA: Isaiah Reese (20), B.J. Johnson (18 + 7 rebounds), C.J. Bryce (18), Richard Solomon (16 + 7 rebounds).
What’s next
UNICS (25-9): April 5 on the road versus Zenit
PARMA (19-14): April 4 at home against Lokomotiv Kuban.
