By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The trio of Jamar Smith (19 p.), Okaro White (17 p.), and Jamar Morgan (17 p.) got the job done with UNICS Kazan getting the 82-78 win in Game 3 of the 7DAYS EuroCup semifinals.
UNICS qualified to the semis against Virtus Bologna. Kevin Hervey had 22 points for the losing side and Mindaugas Kuzminskas added 19.
UNICS managed to get even a 9-point advantage, however, Lokomotiv Kuban reacted swiftly in what was a close game. The score was tied at 64 with eight minutes to go after a big three by Mantas Kalnietis and Kuzminskas in transition gave Lokomotiv a two-point lead (66-64), their first since the first half.
With both teams exchanging big plays and the lead, UNICS once again got a five-point cushion (77-72) thanks to White and Smith with two minutes left. Lokomotiv once more reacted, they trimmed the UNICS’ lead to one (77-76) but couldn’t get any closer with Nigel Williams-Goss and Mantas Kalnietis missing two crucial three-point attempts.
On the other side, Jordan Morgan made a big bucket, however, he just made 1/5 free throws in the closing seconds, giving the last hope to Loko. With six seconds left and UNICS leading 80-78, White was fouled and sealed the deal (82-78) from the free throws line.