Get the job done: Ponitka’s 17 points help Loko defeat Cedevita

Lokomotiv Kuban win in its 100th Eurocup game over Cedevita despite challenging ending – 80:76.

It was a memorable night in Krasnodar not only because of the win over the Croatian club, but also for the reason that it was the 100th game with 79-21 all-time record for Loko in 7DAYS EuroCup. There is no other team in competition history with such a great win percentage.

In the first half the defense was excellent and the movement of the ball was phenomenal. See yourself:

https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1072918476556328960

So at the end of the first half Loko had a 9 point lead. This advantage was undeniable up to the end of the 3rd quarter. Then Cedevita tried to make a comeback but Lokomotiv guards were a solid unit.

The 4th quarter was crucial for both teams. In the last minutes, Cedevita had all the chances to level the score, but Jacob Pullen missed one of three free throws and it decided the outcome of the game. Lokomotiv Kuban won their 8th game in this 7DAYS EuroCup season.

Today’s game was a perfect reaction to the loss on Sunday. First two quarters the team played with great energy, but after the break we loosened the reins. We have a lot of injured players, so our bench is shorter than usual. In the last two games, we had some problems with the second halves. We have to look into it. It’s important to prepare for the next game in Berlin against Alba, because we’ll fight for the first place in Group B. We must do a good job this week, show result and end this year with a winning attitude.

Andrei Vedischev, president PBC Lokomotiv Kuban

I can be satisfied with the game. Our players showed character and in the defense they played very well. But because of our rotation, injuries we had we couldn’t finish our defense. We played well on our defense for 20-22 seconds and in the end of their possession we conceded some easy points. Basically the second half we played with five players, who gave everything that they have at this moment.

Vlade Jovanovic, head coach of the PBC Lokomotiv Kuban

It was a tough game for us. Cedevita showed their skills. First half was much better for us. We controlled the game. In the second half, we lost the rhythm and it was the beginning of our problems. Cedevita came back in the game. Next week in Berlin it will be a crucial game for us, for the first place in the group and we’ll try to be ready for this game. We’ll try to fight and win it.

Mateusz Ponitka, forward of the Lokomotiv-Kuban

Get the job done: Ponitka’s 17 points help Loko defeat Cedevita

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