Runa defeated Astana in Moscow – 80:67 (24:15, 15:23, 24:11, 17:18).
Game progress
The teams had 10 wins and 14 losses. The hosts controlled the game in the first quarter. Defensive style helped Runa to take a double-digit lead and then increased it to 14 points. However, the intrigue in the did not disappear – Markell Johnson started Astana’s 11:0 comeback. The guests got within 1 shot by the halftime – 39:38.
Key moment
Runa continued to control the game in the second half. Kirill Savin and Juwan Morgan made three-pointers, which provided the Vikings with a 14-point lead again. Astana didn’t have energy for another comeback.
The Moscow team kept up the pressure for the rest of the game and got one of their biggest wins of the season, securing 9th place and not allowing Astana to get ahead.
X-factor
Runa had one of their best defensive games. Only 6 Astana players managed to score points, Markell Johnson made 7 turnovers.
Fact
The last time Runa won at home more than a month ago, on December 24 versus MBA.
Markell Johnson set a career-high in steals (5) and moved into the League leaders in total steals in a season.
Leaders
Runa: Nikola Ivanovic (14), Aleksa Radanov (13 + 8 rebounds), Juwan Morgan (12), Cameron Young (11), Danila Pokhodiaev (9 + 5 rebounds), Alex Tyus (4 + 6 rebounds), Jeremiah Hill (4 + 5 assists).
Astana: Devin Davis (18 + 9 rebounds), Royce Hamm (16 + 9 rebounds), Markell Johnson (14 + 8 assists + 5 steals), Vasilije Pusica (11).
What’s next
Runa (11-14): February 3 at home against Lokomotiv Kuban
Astana (10-15): February 1 at home versus Enisey.
