From the very start, it became clear that Loko took some lessons from their loss in Krasnodar. After 2 points by Jaylen Barford after a long shot by Okaro White the guests leaded 5:2! In the middle of the starting quarter Karvel Anderson started the 3-point relay, that was picked up by Dmitry Uzinsky and Vladislav Yemchenko. And it was the same Anderson who’s shot set the score for the first period – 25:21.
Soon after the start of the 2nd quarter Yemchenko sent UNICS to a minute break with an another precise throw from the corner of the court. Without a doubt, Vlad’s play in these minutes was brilliant – 13 points in 20 minutes. He also accomplished fine assists – for example, the one on Maurice Ndour! And it was Yemchenko who’s shot increased the lead up to 9 points (42:33). Closer to the equator of the game, Barford made the advantage double-digit, but the Kazan team managed to slightly reduce the gap by the big break – 44:36.
However, UNICS started to reduce this “–8” immediately after leaving the locker room. And 6.5 minutes later the hosts were able to achieve equality on the scoreboard – 48:48. At that moment, Patrick Miller successfully burst into the game; then Karvel made a three and in the next attack found a foul on himself – and made all three free throws in.
As a result, Loko started the final quarter with a minimal, but still advantage – 58:57. In the next 7 minutes the leader changed 5 times; the same number of times during this time the score became equal.
Alas, UNICS took the ending. DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell still managed to throw from his own half for an equal score, but the ball bounced off the hoop. Loko lost 78:81, and it is 2-3 in the series.
The next game is May 19th in Krasnodar. Lokofamily, the team needs your support!