UNICS stopped Avtodor and got the 20th win of the season — 83:71 (27:20, 15:22, 18:11, 23:18).
Game progress
Avtodor this season has proven as a home winning team. The Saratov team won 6 of their 7 home games in the season. Moreover, even the reigning champion Zenit lost to Avtodor . So in the game with UNICS, the hosts also wanted to beat one of the strongest teams in the League.
The first minutes of the game were Malik Newman and Louis Labeyrie benefit, both players scored 6 points. But roster length helped UNICS. Labeyrie was supported by other team leaders and this allowed the guests to take the lead. By the end of the first quarter, the Kazan lead was 8 points – 24:16.
During the second quarter, the guests took a double-digit lead (35:24). But the Saratov team make a comeback with Danilo Nikolic made 3 shots and was supported by Rade Zagorac. The bright game of the Balkan duo allowed Avtodor to equalise the score by the halftime – 42:42.
Key moment
In the second half, the Kazan team still managed to play in their style. The guests looked better and well known defense, individual skill of the leaders allowed UNICS to regain the lead.
The Kazan team made a key run in the fourth quarter. Anthony Brown starter it with 2 made shots, and then Daryl Macon and Vyacheslav Zaitsev helped. UNICS lead in the middle of the quarter reached 15 points — 73:58, which allowed the guests to takes the win.
Key factor
UNICS confirmed the status of one of the best defending teams in the League. The Kazan team defense stopped Avtodor defense after the halftime. In the second half, the Saratov team scored only 29 points.
Fact
UNICS had a great first stage of the regular season. The Kazan team won 20 of 22 games, only lost to CSKA.
Game Leaders
Avtodor: Malik Newman (20 + 6 rebounds + 5 assists), Danilo Nikolic (18 + 8 rebounds), Brandon Garrett (11).
UNICS: Jalen Reynolds (17 + 5 rebounds), Daryl Macon (16), Louis Labeyrie (10 + 7 rebounds), Anthony Brown (10).
Next games
Avtodor: home game versus Samara on January 29
UNICS: home game against Pari Nizhny Novgorod on January 30
