UNICS defeated Pari Nizhny Novgorod on the road – 81:73 (31:18, 17:20, 17:20, 16:15).
Game progress
Mikhail Belenitskii marked his return to his former team city by scoring UNICS’ first 8 points. The guard set the tone for the guests game and UNICS scored 31 points in the first quarter. The Kazan team dominated in the pain with 10 rebounds (5 offensive). The hosts had just 1 rebound after the first quarter. UNICS started the second quarter with 4 points, leading by 17 and seemingly taking the confident lead. But the hosts managed to change the game and keep chances of getting closer before halftime. Sergey Kozin used a wide rotation and all 12 players played. Zach Nutall and Nemanja Djurisic were the key players, who helped the hosts to win the second quarter 20:17.
After the break, the game had same scenario. Djurisic led Pari NN and had rest only in the end of the game. The hosts deficit was 7 points.
Key moment
By the middle of the final quarter, the hosts managed to cut the differencial to 2 points. The game became tense and the team lost its character. In this situation, long-range shots decided the game result. The Volga managed to respond to 4 three-pointers with only Evgenii Baburin long range shot. UNICS gained a comfortable lead and calmly took the win – 81:73.
X-factor
The first quarter became the key, as it set the tone for the entire game. UNICS won the quarter 31:18.
Three-pointers in the end helped to made the win confident.
Facts
Louis Labeyrie played his 100th game in the VTB League.
The game was the first in 2024. The rivalry history score is 27-5, the Kazan team leads.
Pari NN extended losing streak (4), which is currently the second in the League after Astana (12).
Leaders
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: Nemanja Djurisic (22), Zach Nutall (14), Dmitrii Khvostov (8 + 9 assists).
UNICS: DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (15), Marcos Knight (12 + 8 assists), Louis Labeyrie (12 + 5 rebounds), Mikhail Belenitskii (12 + 5 rebounds).
What’s next
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: November 9 on the road versus PARMA
UNICS: November 9 at home against CSKA.
