Samara defeated Avtodor on the road – 79:64 (18:20, 15:16, 18:12, 28:16).
Game progress
The teams started the game carefully – the first points were scored only 2:30 after the start. The Saratov team often play with Rayshawn Hammonds, who scored a quick 7 points, while the guests regularly had free throw attempts. Both teams showed tough defense, which affected long-range shooting – 1 of 8 for Avtodor and 3 of 12 for Samara. The first half was equal, the lead had changed 16 times. But Malik Newman and Hammonds helped the hosts to get the lead by the halftime – 36:33.
At the beginning of the second half, the hosts continued to have problems with long-range shots, and after Hammonds’ 4th foul they were forced to temporarily lose one of their leaders. The guests took advantage of that – thanks to 8 points from James Thompson, Samara took the lead before the final quarter – 51:48.
Key moment
The beginning of the fourth quarter was the defining moment of the game. The Saratov team made 3 turnovers in a row and for couldn’t make a single shot for 5 minutes. Drazen Anzulovic team took advantage of the hosts offensive drought and made a 13:0 run to increase their lead to 16 points. Hammonds opened the scoring for his team, but in the next possession he got his 5th foul. After the center left the court, Avtodor couldn’t make a comeback, allowing the guests to take the 3rd win in a row.
X-factor
An important reason for Samara win was defense in the final quarter. The guests team forced their opponents to make 7 turnovers in the last 10 minutes. Samara managed to make the decisive breakthrough due to that.
Fact
Samara players Nikola Rebic and Rade Zagorac played for Avtodor in the 2022/2023 season. Today, the Serbian players scored 16 points each, surpassing their season average by more than 75% and making a significant contribution to the win over their former team.
Leaders
Avtodor: Dominic Mavra (15), Rayshawn Hammonds (14 + 5 rebounds), Malik Newman (13), Dusan Beslac (10).
Samara: Rade Zagorac (16 + 8 rebounds), James Thompson (16 + 7 rebounds), Nikola Rebic (16).
What’s next
Avtodor (9-14): January 24 on the road versus PARMA
Samara (13-10): January 24 at home against Astana.
