After two high-scoring games in Krasnodar, one could expect the same density on the court of Molot sports palace, filled to maximum capacity. PARMA, supported by 7,000 fans, was eager to begin winning – and they indicated their determination since the very first seconds of the game.
It was the hosts who opened the score. But at all, both teams relied on effective defense. Though Maurice Ndour’s powerful overhead dunk added some spectacle to the Krasnodar attacks, after which Okaro White also shook the opponent’s hoop with a poster – 8:5, Evgeniy Pashutin was forced to request a time-out.
The pause helped PARMA, who soon got close to the southerners. After the first quarter there was 16:16 on the scoreboard – needless to say, what a tense atmosphere reigned the arena at that moment.
But all the intrigue melted away in the next segment, when the confident actions of Loko on both sides of the court broke the pressure of the Permians. The hosts were able to score only 5 points in 10 minutes. And the guests’ game seemed to consist of bright highlights only. Jaylen Barford opened the quarter with a long-range shot (also reaching the mark of 200 three-pointers in the VTB United League). The relay of 3-pointers was continued by Patrick Miller. Kirill Yelatontsev fought on his post – the new best young player of the league finally returned to the floor after recovery, and as soon as the ball reached Karvel Anderson, the audience was once again convinced: this guy is unstoppable! Anton Kvitkovskikh joined the game, tested the strength of Molot’s rings. Ndour forced PARMA to foul – that’s how Loko’s advantage became double-digit. And by the end of the half, the difference in the score spoke for itself – 40:21.
The long break did not change a thing, and two well-aimed shots from a distance by DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell completely removed all questions about the winner.
The red-greens simply had to play calmly and convincingly, and Alexander Sekulić’s team performed this task perfectly. We can say that Loko played the entire second half exclusively to the greet of the Krasnodar fans, who had gathered to support the team both in the stands of the Perm arena and in the cozy chairs in front of the monitor… And the lead became more and more significant with every minute.
By the final siren, the scoreboard showed a victorious 82:54. Congrats, Lokofamily! The next station is semi-finals!