UNICS downed Kalev at home – 83:66 (25:21, 24:13, 15:15, 19:17)
Top scorers
UNICS: Nate Walters (14+6 assists), Isaiah Canaan (13), Okaro White (10+6 rebounds), John Holland (10)
Kalev: Marcus Keene (18+5 rebounds+8 assists), Maurice Kemp (10+5 rebounds)
Story
UNICS controlled the first 10 minutes (several times getting to 10-point lead), but it didn’t end with a huge margin. Kalev’s rookie Maurice Kemp was bright as he contributed to a 8:0 run. Only a minute before the end Jordan Morgan made UNICS’ lead comfortable – 25:21.
Kalev started the next quarter with much energy, but UNICS struck back with another 8:0 run. This helped Kazan gain double-digit lead – 35:25. After two three-pointers by Pavel Antipov and Isaiah Canaan, Kalev’s situation was almost hopeless. Marcus Keene tried, but the opposition had their hot shooters: another three by Evgeny Kolesnikov and UNICS were leading 49:34 after the first half.
The second half didn’t have that many points as UNICS were freezing the game. At some point, Isaiah Canaan made it a 22-point lead. Kazan were maintaining +20 lead, but Janis Kaufmanis made the last word for Kalev. UNICS are still undefeated at home – 4/4.
Hero
Nate Walters. The American had probably the best game this season with 14 points and 6 assists.
Stat
11 of 25 – UNICS’ snipers didn’t shoot much, but with much accuracy. Kalev’s success rate was only about 25% (7 of 28).
Comment
UNICS head coach Dimitris Priftis:
“We were motivated for this game. We were aggressive, respected Kalev and that helped us have 40 stable minutes. Thanks to the team and we’re moving on.”
Kalev head coach Roberts Stelmahers:
“Congrats to UNICS with the win. We faced a serious opponent. We planned to stay up as much as possible to try to fight in the end. The team is only being built, we have new players, so the chemistry isn’t perfect yet.”
Next
UNICS: December 20 vs Tsmoki-Minsk
Kalev: December 28 at Nizhny Novgorod
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