UNICS beat Pari Nizhny Novgorod at home — 86:71 (23:14, 19:21, 22:18, 22:18).
The best scorers
UNICS: Vince Hunter (17), Louis Labeyrie (16 + 7 rebounds), Daryl Macon (16 + 5 assists), Anthony Brown (16), Nenad Dimitrijevic (12 + 5 assists)
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: Nikola Rebic (13 + 6 rebounds + 6 assists), Ivan Strebkov (13)
Game progress
Both teams have were on a great move. Therefore, the Volga derby was supposed to be very interesting.
And at the start of the game, these expectations were justified. Moreover, UNICS looked more interesting than their opponent. The turning point happened in the second half of the quarter. The hosts run began with a fastbreak by Louis Labeyrie. Then Vince Hunter turned on. The forward scored 8 points in a row and the Kazan team had a comfortable lead after the first quarter– 23:14.
The second quarter was the leaders’ time. Ivan Strebkov inspired the guests comeback. After his made shots, the difference was 3 points – 27:30. And then Louis Labeyrie showed his shooting potential. His three-pointers allowed UNICS to get a double–digit lead – 42:31. But the end of the quarter remained for Nizhny Novgorod. Dragan Apic made shots kept the team in the game – 35:42.
The third quarter held the same game pace. The Kazan team have found a new leader. Daryl Macon scored 11 points and the team lead reached 17 points – 59:42. But Nizhny Novgorod still refused to give up. Evgenii Baburin and Mikhail Belenitsky revived the hope for a comeback for the guests at the end of the quarter – 53:64.
But still, NN did not have the strength for a decesive run. During the final quarter, did not allow Velimir Perasovic team to use full rotation. But at the same time, UNICS leaders kept a double-digit lead with ease. As a result, the hosts took a well-deserved win.
Hero
Louis Labeyrie actions helped UNICS take the lead in the game. The forward scored 16 points and showed the perfect shot percentage (5 out of 5 from the game, 3 out of 3 three–pointers, 3 out of 3 free-throws). Labeyrie also became the best rebounder (7 rebounds) and the most effective player of the game (29).
Numbers
Only 6 players scored points in UNICS. But such basketball did not prevent the Kazan team to get the win.
What’s next
UNICS: road game against Astana on December 22
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: road game versus Samara on December 22.
