Uralmash beat Avtodor at home – 82:66 (21:17, 27:20, 19:18, 15:11)
Game progress
The hosts quickly built a double-digit lead (21:9), but Avtodor responded with a 15:0 run. However, Uralmash was able to quickly regroup and take away space from the Saratov team offense. The hosts had a lead by the halftime – 48:37.
The Yekaterinburg team continued to build the lead in the second half, which reached 15 points at the end of the third quarter.
Key moment
Still, Avtodor didn’t let up. A small brawl between the teams in the middle of the third quarter clearly energized the Saratov team and cut the deficit to 5 points. But the guestss didn’t have enough for more: Uralmash replied Kirill Pisklov long-range shot that restored a double-digit lead and Avtodor had no time or energy left. Uralmash got the 20 win of the season and continue to lead Group B.
X-factor
Uralmash starting five demonstrated excellent versatility and team chemistry: all starting players scored 10 or more points with 20 team assists.
Fact
Uralmash has 7 wins in 8 home games with Rostislav Vergun.
Although Avtodor is the best rebounding team in March, Uralmash was better tonight (45 vs. 39, including 17 offensive rebounds).
Avtodor lost to one of the Group B leaders for the second time in a row, the Saratov team scored 66 points in both games.
Leaders
Uralmash: Javonte Douglas (19 + 10 rebounds + 4 steals), Garrett Nevels (18 + 5 rebounds), Octavius Ellis (16 + 8 rebounds), Kirill Pisklov (13), Stanley Whittaker (10 + 5 rebounds + 12 assists).
Avtodor: Sindarius Thornwell (15 + 9 rebounds), Dusan Beslac (11 + 7 rebounds), Dominic Mavra (11), Malik Newman (11), Dmitry Khaldeev (8 + 6 rebounds).
What’s next
Uralmash (20-14): March 28 on the road against Samara
Avtodor (16-18): March 28 at home versus MBA
