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Stamina and motivation – what is needed for the victory in Game #2

Today in Kazan, Lokomotiv Kuban and UNICS will play Game 2 of the bronze series, in which our opponent is currently leading.
Andrey Vedishchev, the head coach at Lokomotiv Kuban PBC

I assumed that it would be hard for us to get into this series well after seven games against Zenit. But we must find the stamina and motivation to do it. We need to improve, first of all, in defense, take control of the rebound and generally be more aggressive. I hope that today we will show the right attitude from the first minutes.

The main news ahead of the second match is the extension of Patrick Miller’s contract for two more seasons. Lokomotiv’s point guard has been performing very well in the playoffs, starting in each of the 12 matches, leading the team in points (17.4), assists (5.1), steals (1.2), and being 4th in rebounds (4.3).

“I’m glad we managed to keep our leader for two more seasons,” says Andrey Vedischev. “Patrick’s play throughout the championship has proven that he is capable of leading the team and his partners. It is very important to have a stable lineup and achieve our goals with players who have skill, character, and who are always focused on the best result”.

Following Game #1 of the bronze series (90:97), Lokomotiv and UNICS swapped places in team statistics for points scored during the playoffs: Kazan has 85.5, we have 84.8; we are currently 4th, they are 3rd.

UNICS also improved their positions in rebounds (37.1; 4th place in the playoffs) and assists (19.6; 1st). Lokomotiv rose from 5th to 2nd in steals (7.5).

It should also be noted that the opponent’s center Ismaёl Bako broke into the playoff leaders in rebounds (7.0).

Kirill Yelatontsev, the center for Lokomotiv Kuban PBC

We must come out to today's game much more focused and show character. In the last game UNICS took twice as much rebounds as we did, which is absolutely unacceptable. We need to add aggression under the boards, defend tightly and strictly follow our game plan.

The game will be broadcasted live on the Krasnodar, Match and Start TV channels, as well as on our website.

Go, Loko!

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