Here are the weekend’s biggest stories.
UNICS crushed Loko to remain in 1st place
The League returned from the All-Star Break with a big-time showdown between top-3 teams in UNICS and Lokomotiv. Not surprisingly, the early going was a bit sluggish. Kazan, however, started clicking fairly quickly, sparked by Jamar Smith’s career night on the perimeter, whereas Loko never really found its rhythm. The home team seized control midway through the 2nd quarter and never let go. Smith tied the season record for 3-pointers (6), while UNICS knocked down 16 as a team (2nd-best this season). That was good for a 28-point win, matching Loko’s biggest margin of defeat, which was set four years ago, also vs. UNICS in the Basket Hall. UNICS defended 1st place with the win and carries momentum into upcoming games vs. Khimki and CSKA. Loko lost its third in a row.
Zenit snapped VEF’s winning streak
VEF and Zenit were on somewhat unfamiliar ground entering Saturday’s match-up. Riga was riding a three-game winning streak, including a victory in Moscow Region, and looked like one of the League’s hottest teams. Zenit, despite ranking 4th in the standings, had lost back-to-back games before the All-Star break.
There would be no upset, however, in Riga. Kyle Kuric’s big 2nd quarter (10 points helping Zenit outscore VEF 29-16) helped ensure a successful outcome for both the American sniper and his club. Kuric finished with 31 points as Zenit snapped its losing streak and caught Lokomotiv in the standings.
PARMA’s best game in the League
Perm last played more than a month ago. Finally allowed to return to the court, Kalev was the unsuspecting victim of PARMA’s pent-up energy. The home team opened the game on fire, draining four consecutive 3-pointers and going on to lead 30-9 at the end of the 1st quarter. With a win all but wrapped up, the intrigue in the second half was whether or not PARMA could score 100 points for the first time in the League. Fittingly, Perm native Alexander Vinnik scored the historic points. Codi Miller-McIntyre also impressed with 17 assists, a new season record in the League. PARMA ends the weekend in the top eight with a very good chance of making the postseason in May.
Astana vs. Tsmoki, Kazakhstan vs. Belarus
Astana and Tsmoki-Minsk are base clubs for the national teams in their respective countries. While Kazakhstan lost big to rival Iran at home, before an easy win over Qatar, Saddler, Kudrautsau and coach Krutikov helped Belarus play Spain close, then stun the reigning European champs Slovenia. Their success, however, did not carry over to the club level.
The Dragons have yet to win in 2018 and the players seem to be feeling the pressure. Minsk scored 27 points in the 1st quarter, but only combined for 18 over the 2nd and 3rd quarters. Astana put together two big runs in the second half, Ike Udanoh threw down the best dunk of the weekend and also set a new career best for rebounds (14) to go with 14 points. Tsmoki’s losing streak is now at six games, while Astana moves into the playoff zone.
Nizhny once again comes up short vs. Khimki
Khimki and Nizhny had an unforgettable encounter earlier in the season. Alexey Shved forced overtime with a 3-pointer at the buzzer after Khimki snagged an offensive board. In the extra period, Tyler Honeycutt converted the game-winning free throws after another second-chance opportunity for Khimki.
The second meeting in Nizhny Novgorod featured many of the same plot points. With several minutes remaining, Nizhny led 74-69, but once again Shved was there to disrupt. The Khimki star knocked down two 3-pointers and a pair of free throws to put his team in front for good. Offensive rebounds were also a huge factor.
“What’s there to say when your opponent scores 19 second-chance points? At the end, we gave up three rebounds. Khimki created opportunities to score from those mistakes, and knocked down a 3-pointer that gave them control of the game. That was the key moment in our loss today,” – summed up Zoran Lukic.
Avtodor vs. CSKA. Showtime like usual
During the 2000’s, CSKA and Avtodor boasted one of the best rivalries in Russian basketball. Though Avtodor is no longer a top contender, the rivalry between the two clubs continues to live up to expectations. Games between Avtodor and CSKA typically feature tons of scoring, insane individual performances and exciting finishes.
Sunday’s meeting followed the script to a tee, outside of CSKA’s dominance down the stretch. During the 2nd quarter, February MVP Justin Robinson hit a series of shots, before Nando De Colo took over in the 3rd with 17 points. The Frenchman left Avtodor with no chance at the end. He finished with a career best 35 points in the League, and a new season record for 3-pointers (7). CSKA scored 110 points, the team’s best result of the season.
