Uralmash defeated Pari Nizhny Novgorod at home – 83:78 (18:23, 20:16, 21:23, 24:16).
Game progress
From the very first minutes, the teams made it clear that the game would be very tight – Uralmash wanted to stabilise lead in the Group B, while Nizhny Novgorod every game is crucial. The guests held the advantage throughout most of the first quarter, but Uralmash didn’t let go far – only after Andrey Vorontsevich three-pointer pull Nizhny within 5 points. However, Kirill Pisklov 6 points in the quarter and the pressure in the paint allowed the hosts to equalise the game. By the halftime, the guests’ advantage was only 1 point – 39:38.
Nizhny increased a pace. Evgenii Baburin made 2 three-pointers, at one point increasing the difference to 12. Uralmash responded with a 12:0 run, tying the game at the very beginning of the final quarter – 62:62.
Key moment
The end of the game reminded of the Playoffs game. Stanley Whittaker 2 three-pointers were answered by 6 straight points by Vorontsevich. A minute before the end of the game Garrett Nevels made a layup – 81:78. Nizhny had a chance to force at least overtime, but Nevels made a steal and sent Octavius Ellis on a fastbreak, who ended the game with a powerful dunk. Uralmash continues to lead the Group B.
X-factor
The hosts focused on play in the paint and had more free-throw attempts (19 of 21 versus 12 of 17 for Nizhny). These 5 points were ultimately not enough for Nizhny.
Fact
Uralmash continues to win at home with Rostislav Vergun. Since the Belarusian coach arrival, the team has won 6 home games out of 6.
In February, Uralmash won all 5 games, ending the calendar month with a 100% result for the first time.
Andrey Vorontsevich sent a new career-high 24 points. This is the vet’s 4th game with 20 or more points this season.
Nizhny had 34 rebounds (including 12 offensive) compared to 25 (4 offenseive) by Uralmash.
Leaders
Uralmash: Stanley Whittaker (20 + 5 assists), Octavius Ellis (18), Garrett Nevels (16 + 3 steals), Javonte Douglas (7 + 8 rebounds).
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: Andrey Vorontsevich (24), Ivan Strebkov (18 + 5 rebounds + 9 assists), Aleksandr Gankevich (11), Vladimir Ivlev (2 + 6 rebounds).
What’s next
Uralmash (16-13): March 3 on the road against Runa
Pari Nizhny Novgorod (7-21): March 3 on the road versus Astana.
