UNICS defeated Astana at home – 97:81 (15:15, 25:24, 25:27, 32:15).
Game progress
The game started with Marcos Knight 4 points in a row, answered by Danila Pokhodiaev long-range shot. The game was equal, which was reflected in the score after the opening quarter – 15:15.
At the start of the second quarter, UNICS made a 7:2 run and Astana took a timeout. The break worked perfectly, and the Kazakh team followed it up with an 11:2 run, which gave the guests a 4-point lead. Toward the end of the second quarter, the Kazan team offense woke up and regained the lead. The hosts had the lead by the halftime – 40:39.
At the start of the third quarter, both teams exchanged shots again, and no one wanted to make a mistake. At the end of the third quarter, the score was tie – 55:55, and before the fourth quarter Astana even took the lead – 66:65.
Key moment
In the final quarter, UNICS showed character and skill. The Kazan team improved and outscored the guests – 32:15, and celebrated the win
X-factor
Defense helped UNICS to win this game: 15 fouls for the hosts versus 25 by the guests.
Facts
UNICS’ winning streak has reached 4 games. Only Loko has more, but started the season undefeated.
0-7 is the worst start for Astana in the VTB League.
Dmitry Kulagin became the League’s 10th player to reach 300 career games.
Leaders
UNICS: Jalen Reynolds (21), Tony Taylor (19 + 13 assists), DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (19), Marcos Knight (17 + 6 rebounds), Sergey Toropov (10).
Astana: Markell Johnson (26 + 5 assists), Daniel Utomi (19).
What’s next
UNICS: October 20 on the road against Lokomotiv Kuban
Astana: October 19 on the road versus Samara.
