Runa beat Samara at home and got the third win in three games – 85:74 (18:15, 23:17, 23:24, 21:18).
Game progress
The teams started the game without any scouting. The first five possessions ended up with scoring. But only the hosts was able to keep up this pace from the start. Runa let the opponent not to score for six minutes, which gave them a double-digit lead – 17:5. The guests responded already at the start of the second quarter cut the deficit to a minimum – 17:18.
Three consecutive offensive rebounds gave the Vikings back a comfortable lead – 25:17. Samara tried to get back into the game, but this time the hosts was able to hold them back. Runa went into the halftime with a 9-point lead – 41:32.
Key moment
As the third quarter progressed, the Moscow team managed to hold off their opponent, but at the start of the final quarter, James Thompson made shots allowed Samara to cut the lead to just 2 points – 67:65. However, the guests couldn’t build on that success. Cameron Young actions and fast breaks allowed Rune to take the initiative. Three minutes before the end, another fast break by Nikola Ivanovic brought the Moscow team lead to 13 points – 80:67. In the remaining time, the Volga team was able to only slightly reduce their deficit.
Key factor
Nikola Ivanovic became the leader of Runa offense in this game. The guard made 7 of 9 shots from the game, gave 4 assists and became the best scoring (21 points) and most effective player of the game (eff. points 21).
Fact
Runa became the 5th team in the VTB League history with three wins at the start of the debut season. The Moscow team has made it to the first place of the standings.
Leaders
Runa: Nikola Ivanovic (21), Ilya Popov (14 + 5 rebounds), Aleksa Radanov (13), Cameron Young (13)
Samara: Javontae Hawkins (16), Aleksandr Gudumak (15), James Thompson (12 + 9 rebounds), Justin Roberson (11).
What’s next
Runa: October 15 at home against Pari Nizhny Novgorod.
Samara: October 14 on the road versus MBA.
