MBA beat Runa at home – 86:84 (28:18, 24:27, 19:26, 15:13).
Game progress
This was the first time the teams had to compete in the VTB United League. Runa and MBA had previously played only in the Super League, with the current newcomer leading in rivalry.
MBA picked up the pace from the start: a series of fast break layups and 7 points by Evgeniy Minchenko helped Vasily Karasev team to take an early lead – 28:12. Runa comeback was led by Alex Tyus and Jeremiah Hill. The American duo brought the team 23 points and allowed the Vikings to cut the difference by the halftime – 52:45.
At the start of the third quarter, Erturul Erdogan team made a 7-0 run and tied the score. The teams played equaly the rest of the quarter: Hill and Danila Pokhodiaev answered three-pointers by Andrey Lopatin and Aleksandr Khomenko. The score was tied going before the last quarter – 71:71.
Key moment
During the first 7 minutes of the fourth quarter neither team managed to create an advantage – 82:82. Aleksa Radanov play put the Vikings ahead 1:45 before the end, but the hosts equalised. After a successful MBA defense, Lopatin made free-throws. In the last possession Runa could equalise or even won, but Hill missed a three-pointer.
X-factor
Andrey Lopatin performance played a key role in MBA win. The forward scored 21 points, and got a steal and made game-winning free-throws in the decisive minutes of the game.
Fact
Andrey Sopin played for MBA from 2015 to 2021 and was one of the leaders, so today’s game had a special meaning for him. The guard scored 8 points, which helped Runa to come back versus his former team.
Leaders
MBA: Andrey Lopatin (21 + 6 rebounds), Evgeniy Minchenko (11), Daniil Kasatkin (11), Makar Konovalov (11), Aleksandr Khomenko (11), Evgeniy Voronov (11).
Runa: Jeremiah Hill (27 + 5 rebounds + 5 assists), Alex Tyus (15 + 6 rebounds + 5 blocks), Aleksa Radanov (14 + 7 rebounds + 5 assists).
What’s next
MBA: November 1 at home against PARMA
Runa: November 2 at home versus MINSK.
