MBA-MAI defeated Pari Nizhny Novgorod at home – 92:85 (23:19, 29:20, 22:23, 18:23).
Game progress
The game in Moscow concluded the season series between the teams—MBA-MAI had lost the previous 2 clashes. The hosts found the rhythm and took the initiative. Andrey Zubkov immediately became the main offense option, scoring nearly half of his team’s points. The hosts had better positional offense, which led to a significant advantage in assists (16-9 by halftime). The guests were saved by long-range shots, but couldn’t fully fix ball movement, which resulted in 12 turnovers in the first half.
Key moment
After the break, the game had changed. Pari NN managed to force a battle with the opponent and cut deficit to 6 points. Andrey Zubkov and Danil Pevnev duo scored 51 points. Ilya Karpenkov and Alexander Khomenko responded with 50 points. The double-digit lead built in the first half allowed the Moscow team to remain in the lead until the final buzzer and tied the season series (2-2).
X-Factor
The guests were let down by ball movement in the first half. Pari NN committed 12 turnovers while recording 9 assists.
Facts
Pari NN played its 450th League game. The team has 200 wins and 250 losses.
Sergey Balashov scored 1,000 points in his VTB League career.
Danil Pevnev set career-high 21 points.
Ilya Karpenkov set a new career-high 30 points.
Andrey Zubkov had his season-high and second career-high game with 30 points.
Leaders
MBA-MAI: Andrey Zubkov (30 points + 9 rebounds), Danil Pevnev (21), Maxim Barashkov (14 points + 5 rebounds), Sergey Balashov (10)
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: Ilya Karpenkov (30), Alexander Khomenko (20 + 5 turnovers), Norbert Lukacs (10 + 6 rebounds), Dmitrii Khvostov (8 + 10 assists + 5 turnovers)
What’s next
MBA-MAI: April 15 on the road against Enisey
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: April 11 on the road versus Lokomotiv Kuban.
