Samara defeated MINSK and got the 9th win of the season — 78:71 (18:19, 26:19, 17:19, 17:14).
Game progress
Samara was a clear favorite, and this could play a cruel role at the start of the game. The Volga team entered the game with difficulties. MINSK defended well and found 2 effective offensive options. Zach Smith made shots from the paint and Uladzislau Blizniuk made 3 threes. After his three at the end of the first quarter, the guests managed to take the lead – 17:16.
Samara was able to take the lead only in the middle of the second quarter. The home team run began with Jordan Theodore made shots and 2 more by Marcos Knight made the hosts lead double-digit – 42:32. However, Daniil Kasko performance helped to reduce the difference before the halftime – 38:44.
Key moment
In the third quarter, the Minsk team again proved that the team has character. The guests managed to reduce a double-digit difference and Vadzim Stubeda alley-oop even equalized the score – 57:57. Samara quickly regained the lead, but there was still a tense ending. A little over 2 minutes before the end, the guests trailed by 3 points – 69:72. But the hosts had a plan. Marcos Knight free-throws and Yuri Umrikhin lay-up allowed Samara to have confident lead and took the win.
Key factor
Recently, experienced Russian players have justified the trust of the coaching staff in Samara. In the previous game, Maksim Sheleketo showed himself, and this time Vladimir Pichkurov had the best game. The guard made 6 of 10 shots from the game (three–pointers – 3 of 6) and scored 15 points.
Fact
Samara and PARMA-PARI won in this round and secured the Top 8 spots. Both teams have 9 wins and they will be the main contenders for getting into the playoffs at the end of the second stage of the regular season.
Leaders
Samara: Marcos Knight (20 + 8 assists), Vladimir Pichkurov (15), James Ennis (10 + 9 rebounds), Ivan Lazarev (10 + 6 rebounds)
MINSK: Uladzislau Blizniuk (17), Jovan Sljivancanin (11), Zach Smith (10 + 6 rebounds)
Next games
Samara: road game against Avtodor on January 29
MINSK: road game versus Astana on February 1
