Booker, Shved help Khimki snap back against ALBA

2019-12-12T19:46:43+00:00 2019-12-12T21:10:37+00:00.

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12/Dec/19 19:46

Eurohoops.net

Khimki snapped back from a four-game losing streak and defeated ALBA in a scoring feast.

By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net

Khimki Moscow Region prevailed over visiting ALBA Berlin with a 104-87 victory for Round 13 of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

Booker was undoubtedly the key player of the game for Khimki, as he led the Russian side with a double-double of 24 points on 10-14 FG and 10 rebounds for a total PIR of 36 in less than 25 minutes. He played a key part in Khimki’s comeback after ALBA’s lead in the first quarter.

“In the second half, we did a much better job, especially in the third quarter, but both quarters actually. We did a much better job on defense and that’s what won us the game,” Booker said. “I just did what I needed to do. I felt good coming into the game. I hit my first couple of shots and that got me going. I was just doing what I can to help my team out.”

Complementing Booker’s efforts, Alexey Shved also enjoyed an impactful performance for the winners with 22 points and eight assists.

ALBA in control of the first period, Khimki with the comeback

ALBA opened the game with a 32-23 run but the reaction was quick by the hosts that managed to lead 54-51 at halftime. Khimki started building its lead in the third period (77-63 at 30′) and never looked back from that point.

“For sure we’re happy that we won. We started not so well, But then in the third quarter especially, we played good defense. We had just one problem: we let them take 16 rebounds under our baskets. So this is a problem. This wasn’t the first time we came back in a game that we were down 12 or 15, so it’s not new for us. We showed character and we fought well, so the result is good for us”, commented Rimas Kurtinaitis after the game.
The Russian side will look to turn this victory into a streak next week and improve its 7-6 record, with two games against Olympiacos and Zalgiris Kaunas. Accordingly, ALBA will look to snap back from its 4-9 record next week against Bayern and ASVEL.

Photo: EuroLeague

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