UNICS defeated Lokomotiv Kuban in WINLINE Game of the Week at home – 74:63 (22:18, 16:11, 11:21, 25:13).
Game progress
From the very first minutes, the game was tense. The fast-paced game prevented either team from gaining a decisive advantage for a long time. But at the end of the second quarter, Paris Lee helped the hosts to finally pull ahead. UNICS had 9-point lead by halftime – 38:29.
Key moment
The third quarter was dominated by Loko defense. The Kazan team scored first points only in the 6th minute. By that time, the guests were already ahead – 40:39. But the hosts managed to stop the decline and equalised the game. Moreover, in the middle of the final quarter, UNICS made a run.
The Volga team’s run began with a long-range shot by Marcus Bingham and Andrey Lopatin’s three-pointer helped to increase the lead to 7 points – 64:57. The Krasnodar team tried to make a comeback. But Kazan team showed good concentration in the end, further increasing the lead and taking win in WINLINE Game of the Week.
X-factor
In this game, defense worked for both sides. However, the hosts had the better defense. The Kazan team allowed the opponent to score only 63 points, which helped to get the win.
Facts
UNICS retained its lead in the standings. The Kazan team remains the only team that has not lost this season. For the Volga team, this is already the 5th win at the start of the season.
UNICS has not lost a regular season game at home since December 1 last year. This streak now stands at 16 consecutive wins.
Vince Hunter moved into fifth place in VTB League history in scoring among international players. Lokomotiv Kuban center surpassed Keith Langford (1,955 points). After today’s game, he has 1,965 points.
Leaders
UNICS: Jalen Reynolds (21 + 11 rebounds), Paris Lee (15 + 5 assists), C.J. Bryce (10 + 5 assists)
Lokomotiv Kuban: Patrick Miller (16), Vince Hunter (14 + 12 rebounds)
What’s next
UNICS: October 22 at home against Avtodor.
Lokomotiv Kuban: October 25 at home versus Samara.
