Lokomotiv started the game quite hospitably. A 5-point advantage let the guests find confidence. Antipov and Collins tied the score and got into a series of switches. Downs successfully attempted from all positions. Loko tried to use big men in the paint. Our team scored 3 of 8 3Ps (Babb, Khvostov, Antipov). But Avtodor committed several fouls on three-point shooters and was punished with 6 of 9 free throws. Cuts were quite effective and brought a 6-point advantage to Loko in the first quarter.
In the second period, Loko continued squared off with Avtodor but just for a while. Elegar turned on under the rim (8 points per a quarter), bended the rim and made our lead double-digit – 56:43.
The third quarter started with Kulagin’s transition. It was a message that Avtodor would be hammered this period. Loko’s advantage grew to 17 points. Only Downs, Clarke, and Robinson (8 points each per a quarter) kept Saratov from devastation. Robinson’s threes hit Loko’s bucket again and again and the gap between the teams vanished – 73:69 in favor of Loko.
Avtodor took the lead in the mid of the fourth quarter. Loko returned time to time but three ineffective possessions two minutes before the end of the game led to Robinson’s another three (86:90). Elegar responded with two free throws. Loko played great in defense and by 9 seconds before the end of the game Collins tied the score – 90:90. In the last possession of the game, Sheleketo shot three with buzzer and broke Loko’s 26-game winning series – 90:93.
