UNICS defeated Lokomotiv Kuban in the Game of the Week at home – 103:95 (25:26, 21:20, 25:29, 32:20).
Game progress
From the first minutes, the game was tense. Neither team managed to gain advantage. In the first quarter, the lead changed 12 times, and the difference between the teams was 3 points maximum. But at the start of the second quarter, UNICS had 11-point run. Andrey Lopatin free throws gave the hosts a double-digit lead for the first time in the game – 38:28.
The guests got back in the game with Antonius Cleveland. The Krasnodar team guard played well in defense and scored several important shots. The American guard tied the score – 40:40. The teams held the equality by the halftime – 46:46.
Key moment
Until the middle of the fourth quarter, neither managed to get away. But at that point, the hosts still managed to make an impactful stretch. The Kazan team started the run with DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell and Ismael Bako made shots and followed by Marcos Knight and Lopatin. UNICS’ lead grew to 9 points with 4 minutes before the end – 94:85.
The Krasnodar team rushed in pursuit. After Anton Kvitkovskikh lay-up, Loko deficit was cut to 4 points – 91:95. But the guests didn’t have enough energy for more. In the end, The Kazan team played excellent defense and showed enviable composure on free throws, when the Railroaders resorted to a strategy of tactical fouls. In the end, the UNICS players maintained their lead and brought the game to victory.
X-factor
DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell and Marcos Knight shined as always. But Ismael Bako became the hidden hero. The center had season-high 18 points, was one step away from a double-double (18 + 9 rebounds), and also recorded a steal and 3 blocks.
Facts
UNICS defeated Loko for the first time this season. The Krasnodar team celebrated win in the last 2 games.
For UNICS, this win was the 5th in a row. The Kazan team hasn’t lost at home since December 10. The team’s home winning streak has reached 11 games.
The leader changed 25 times during this game.
Anton Kvitkovskikh scored career-high 21 points.
Leaders
UNICS: DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (28), Marcos Knight (20 + 6 assists + 5 rebounds), Ismael Bako (18 + 9 rebounds), Dmitry Kulagin (14 + 8 rebounds + 7 assists).
Lokomotiv-Kuban: Anton Kvitkovskikh (21 + 5 rebounds), Antonius Cleveland (16), Vladislav Emchenko (12), Tahjere McCall (11), Aleksandr Gudumak (11), Kirill Temirov (10).
What’s next
UNICS: March 25 on the road against Avtodor.
Lokomotiv Kuban: March 26 on the road versus Pari Nizhny Novgorod.
