Loko vs MBA-MAI: the test on consistency

On November 15 at 4:30 PM, Lokomotiv Kuban will play MBA-MAI, a team that looks like a serious contender for a direct spot in the playoffs this season.

This will be our third game in seven days, a tough endurance test for players. So, our coaching staff's main goal now is to get the players ready for this game in the best physical condition possible. MBA-MAI always tries to play fast and aggressive basketball on both ends of the court, putting great pressure on the ball and, after successful defense, trying to quickly transition, where any of their players threatens the basket. We must counter their pressure, maintain possession, and prevent them from scoring easy points.

Anton Yudin, the head coach at Lokomotiv Kuban PBC

Lokomotiv Kuban approaches this game at the 3rd place in the standings with a 6-3 win-loss record. MBA-MAI is one win behind (5-4), tied with Zenit for 4th-5th place.

Statistically, we are very similar to the Moscow club: Lokomotiv is 5th in points scored (83.1), while MBA-MAI is 6th (81.1). We are 6th in points allowed (79.3), while our opponent is 8th (79.9). We lead the league in rebounds (37.4), while the Muscovites are second (37.3). We are shooting 34.2% from three (7th in the league), while our opponent is shooting 33.2% (8th). We’re 10th in free throws (71.4%), while Vasily Karasev’s team is 11th (70.8%). MBA-MAI is also the tournament’s best in blocks (4.2; we’re in 8th place with 2.3). We’re leading the league in steals (9.3; our opponent is 6th with 6.6).

Forward Andrei Zubkov is as true powerhouse of our opponent’s lineup for several years: this season, he’s averaging 15.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks. MBA-MAI’s opponents foul him more often than others, 6.9 times per game.

Guard Vyacheslav Zaitsev is living his second youth in the red-and-white team: 12.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.5 blocks, and also the best plus-minus on the team – “+7.3”.

Small forward Maxim Barashkov is having one of the best seasons of his career: 9.8 points on 40.8% 3-point accuracy (2.0 out of 4.9 attempts per game), 4.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.6 blocks.

The three aforementioned players play more than 20 minutes per game for MBA-MAI. The fourth one is power forward Vladislav Trushkin, who averages 9.3 points with a team-leading 3-point percentage (42.3% – 2.2 of 5.2 attempts), 4.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.5 blocks.

Power forward Danil Pevnev leads the Moscow team in blocks (0.8). He scores 7.4 points with a good 3-point percentage (42.1% – 0.9 of 2.1); his 4.1 rebounds round out the picture.

Alexander Platunov is a quality backup point guard at MBA-MAI: 6.3 points, 4.2 assists, and 0.9 steals.

Small forward Pavel Savkov is a constant threat from any distance: 8.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 0.5 steals.

Guard Maxim Lichutin provides good depth in our opponents lineup, averaging 7.4 points, 1.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.2 blocks.

This will be the 12th game between Lokomotiv and MBA-MAI. We’ve won 9 of them, including all 9 of the last ones. But reaching the 10th will be a challenge, and we’re counting on you, our dear fans. We’re waiting for you in the stands at Basket Hall.

Go, Loko!