Tsmoki-Minsk stopped Astana at home – 96:77 (21:19, 20:23, 25:13, 30:22).
Top scorers
Tsmoki-Minsk: Branko Mirkovic (19 + 5 assists), Alexandre Gavrilovic (18 + 8 rebounds), Dominez Burnett (13), Maksim Salash (11 + 13 rebounds).
Astana: Malcolm Hill (17), Jeremiah Hill (16), James Florence (14 + 7 assists).
Story
Teams started the game with their full force. The guests led by Kazakh players took the lead in the beginning. However, the Dragons took control pretty soon. Liutych and Mirkovic came from the bench and backed by Salash and Gavrilovic made a run that won the first period 21:19.
The game remained intense in the second quarter. The guests benefited from long-range shots by the American players who felt great in fast-paced game. Minsk to the contrary tried to drive. The hosts had scored 26 points from the paint by the halftime break (12 by the opponents). But it didn’t help the Dragons retain the lead. Astana used three-pointers (6 of 16) and free throws (10 of 14) to win the first half 42:41.
Meanwhile, the third quarter was dominated by Tsmoki. Along with pressure in the paint, they used tight defense and Lowery and Mirkovic’s three-pointers to their advantage. This marked the hosts’ 15:3 run which built a comfortable lead before the final quarter – 66:55.
Key moment
The middle of the fourth period was the key moment of the game. Tsmoki sank three-pointers in three consecutive possessions to reach 18-point lead – 88:70. These comfortable numbers denied a nervous ending. The Dragons even increased their lead in the remaining time.
Hero
Maksim Salash is the most efficient player of the game (26). His stat features 11 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.
Stat
46 points in the paint scored by Minsk. Domination in the 3-second zone was a key factor to Tsmoki’s victory.
Comment
Tsmoki-Minsk head coach Rostislav Vergun:
“First of all, congrats to all our fans and the club with a good game we showed. No doubt, this was a pleasure for those who support us. Now we’re thinking of how to win the next one.”
Astana head coach Emil Rajkovikj:
“Congrats to Tsmoki-Minsk, tonight they were better, especially in the second half. They were more aggressive in the offense. Unfortunately, we couldn’t match it and had too many turnovers.”
Next
Tsmoki-Minsk: February 9 at UNICS
Astana: February 10 vs CSKA
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