UNICS defeated PARMA on the road – 93:92 (30:20, 31:28, 11:26, 21:18).
Game progress
The hosts started the game well, but failed to maintain the concentration for the entire quarter. UNICS sensed the opponent struggle and used full-court press. PARMA continued to have problems with the Kazan team aggressive defense, falling behind by 10 points. Marcos Knight made 5 of 6 two-pointers in the opening period quarter.
The guests started the second quarter with a 7:0 run, but PARMA managed to get back into the game. Garrett Nevels led the team with 21 points by halftime (7 of 13 field-goals made). His efforts helped the hosts keep the chances of contending despite the Kazan team high 61 points in the half.
After the break, PARMA took the initiative and gradually forced the guests’ offense to stop. Toward the end of the quarter, the Perm team managed to take the lead after 17-point comeback at the start of the second quarter..
Key moment
PARMA did not slow down and secured an 8-point lead with Royce Hamm and Samson Ruzhentsev help. But series of turnovers and Jalen Reynolds gave UNICS back the lead before a tense ending. Alex Hamilton three-pointer put the Perm club ahead 14 seconds before the end, but Marcos Knight sealed the game with another mid-range shot.
The win allowed UNICS to secure 1st place in the standings.
X-factor
PARMA lost concentration twice in the game. This allowed UNICS to get a 10-point lead in the 1st quarter and a 10:0 run at the end of the game, which was critical.
Facts
UNICS set a new team record 15 consecutive wins. This is the 6th such streak in VTB League history.
Dmitry Kulagin reached 2,500 points for his career in the League.
Leaders
PARMA: Garrett Nevels (27), Royce Hamm (16 + 8 rebounds), Alex Hamilton (16 + 6 assists), Samson Ruzhentsev (10).
UNICS: Marcos Knight (23 + 5 assists), Jalen Reynolds (21 + 8 rebounds), DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (18), Ismael Bako (11 + 9 rebounds).
What’s next
PARMA: February 8 at home versus Zenit.
UNICS: February 9 at home against Avtodor.
