UNICS Kazan defeated PARMA Perm on the road, 88-81 (18-22, 18-19, 22-24, 23-23).
Top Scorers
PARMA: Codi Miller-McIntyre (28), Ivan Ukhov (25 + 6 reb)
UNICS: Jamar Smith (16), Maurice Ndour (13), Quino Colom (12)
Story
Led by Jamar Smith’s 16 points, UNICS held on for a seven-point win in Perm, improving to a League-best 21-2. The home team enjoyed big games from Codi Miller-McIntyre (28 points) and Ivan Ukhov (25), but it wasn’t enough to avoid a fifth-consecutive loss.
UNICS scored the game’s first eight points and never trailed, though PARMA kept it close much of the contest. Ukhov and Miller-McIntyre led the way for the home team, the only two PARMA players to score in double digits. The duo combined for 18 points during one stretch in the first half, keeping the Siberians within two points of UNICS, 36-34.
The visitors took a more team-oriented approach. Seemingly every time PARMA cut the deficit to one possession, UNICS had an answer.
Kazan began to stretch its lead in the 3rd quarter. Quino Colom’s layup with three minutes remaining in the quarter made it a 12-point game, 57-45.
After PARMA pulled within four near the end of the period, Vladislav Trushkin hit a huge triple to make it a seven-point game entering the 4th quarter.
Despite a frenetic finish, PARMA never got closer than four down the stretch. Quino Colom hit some big shots, while Smith and Anton Ponkrashov closed out the win at the free-throw line.
The defeat nearly eliminates PARMA from the playoff chase. The Siberians close out the season at home on Tuesday vs. CSKA and will need a win, plus some help to make the postseason.
UNICS finishes the season on the road in St. Petersburg, with a chance to either share or win the regular-season title outright.
Stat
31-14 – UNICS outscored PARMA by 17 at the free-throw line, making up for a rough night on the perimeter (5-23).
Dunk of the Night
Quotes
PARMA head coach Nikolajs Mazurs:
– We didn’t get enough production today from players we typically depend on. Yes, Ivan Ukhov was terrific, but Frank Gaines, on the other hand–someone we always expect to score–didn’t have his best game today. Tre’ McLean is recovering from an injury and wasn’t totally fit. Perhaps that’s why we weren’t able to make it closer at the end. Plus, we let UNICS go on a run late in the game. An experienced team like that makes you pay for your mistakes.
UNICS head coach Dimitris Priftis:
– This was a tough game. We were very seriously motivated, since we want to ensure 2nd place. We ran into some problems because of injuries. That’s why Stephane Lasme missed the game. But we were focused and productive at the end of the game, which is why we won. PARMA is a serious, athletic opponent. I wish them luck in the future.
Up Next
PARMA: May 8 home vs. CSKA
UNICS: May 9 away vs. Zenit
Images of the Game
