UNICS beat Nizhny Novgorod at home – 87:56 (24:3, 18:21, 24:12, 21:20).
Top scorers
UNICS: Okaro White (16 + 7 rebounds), Dmitriy Uzinskiy (15), Jamar Smith (11 + 5 assists), Jordan Theodore (8 + 10 assists).
Nizhny Novgorod: Kasey Shepherd (11), Luke Petrasek (5 + 5 rebounds + 7 assists).
Story
UNICS (13-4) went on February break as the hottest League’s team, 8 consecutive victories and 2nd place in standings. Nizhny (8-6) had 2-game winning streak and 5th spot. It seems like there was no break for Kazan. UNICS started with 2 Georgy Zhbanov and Okaro White makes and 8:0 run. Nizhny answered with Alexandre Gavrilovic actions but it turned out it was the only Novgorod’s successful field goal attempt in the quarter. Tatarstan team showed lockdown defense and continued to increase the lead, starting quarter ended up with 24:3 on the scoreboard.
Вся 1-я четверть матча в Казани в одном ролике: pic.twitter.com/VwN4TGGDxM
— VTB League (@VTBUL) February 27, 2021
UNICS started the second quarter with another 9:0 run and 33:3 on the scoreboard. Soon, Anton Astapkovich hit two shots, after it the guests started to pull themselves together. Nizhny even managed to win second quarter – 21:18 but the gap was devastating by the second half – 24:42.
Kazan left no chance to guests for a comeback, there were lots of them this season in the League. Winning the third confidently UNICS reached 30-point lead again by the final quarter. 9th consecutive victory let UNICS continue their chase after leading Zenit. NN fell to 6th spot.
Hero
Okaro White. In 23 minutes on the court forward became the top scorer (16 points) and rebounder (7) on Kazan roster.
Stat
9 – UNICS extended their winning streak up to 9 games. Kazan haven’t lost in 2021 yet.
Comments
UNICS head coach Dimitrios Priftis:
– First of all, congratulations to my players, we played seriously, especially on the start of the game. I am happy we have right approach and respect the opponents. Sure, we spent 2 good games against Nizhny but it doesn’t really show the real situation. This team have warrior’s spirit, thus we have to be serious and consistent.
Nizhny Novgorod head coach Zoran Lukic:
– Congratulations to Kazan with the second victory over Nizhny Novgorod this season. I wish you make play-offs finals and win EuroCup. Your team chemistry, all that happens to you is great. I wish luck to coach Priftis. As for us, the key for both games against UNICS was their aggression that we had nothing to answer with. It probably was hard to watch. Try to imagine how was it for me as a coach to participate in it. Congratulations to UNICS on a deserved victory, and we have to analyze what’s happening to us.
Next
UNICS: March 13 @ Kalev
Nizhny Novgorod: March 7 vs Astana
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