UNICS let Astana to score only 41 points and won the 16th game of the season 79:41 (21:11, 12:8, 24:9, 22:13).
Game progress
UNICS was in in good shape before the game: the Kazan team with 15 wins and 2 losses continues to pursuit CSKA (17-0). Astana with 2 wins and 13 losses was in 11th place.
UNICS marked the lead in the opening quarter, which the guests won by a double-digit – 21:11. Both teams had problems with the stats percentage in the first half, while UNICS acted much more aggressively and got more three-throw attempts. By the halftime, the Kazan team scored 11 out of 15 free-throws and Astana did not make a single attempt, which predetermined UNICS lead – 33:19.
Astana failed to change the game in the second half. The Kazan team removed all questions already in the third quarter with threes and team leaders – 24:9 and 29-point lead. In the fourth quarter, Sergey Polstyanov scored his first points in pro career.
During the game, Astana held the VTB League anti-record for points scored in one game (36, Minsk in the October game versus Enisey). The Kazakh team still avoided getting into history, scoring 41 points by the end.
Key factor
Astana turnovers. Before the game with UNICS, the Kazakh team led in turnovers (18.3). The hosts made 22 turnovers this game.
Fact
UNICS leads in the rivalry history with the score of 19-2. The only time Astana beat the Kazan team at home was in March 2015. The game ended 87:67.
Game leaders
Astana: Dmitry Gavrilov (11), Markell Johnson (5 + 9 rebounds)
UNICS: Jalen Reynolds (16 + 9 rebounds), Nenad Dimitrijevic (13), Viacheslav Zaitsev (13), Louis Labeyrie (5 + 9 rebounds)
Next games
Astana: road game versus MINSK on December 25.
UNICS: home game against MBA on January 4 .
