By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Alexey Shved scored 29 points plus the go-ahead 3-pointer for the 84 – 86 with 28 seconds to go as Khimki Moscow beat Lokomotiv Kuban 84 – 89 in Krasnodar.
Loko’s top players in the game, Mardy Collins (16 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) and Kevin Jones (16 points, 9 rebounds) had previously granted their team a 84 – 80 lead. But that was the last time the hosts connected to the basket and then Shved took action with key back-to-back downtown buckets.,
The Russian guard, who also grabbed 8 rebounds, led Khimki to its 14th victory in the league and to the third place of the VTB League standings, breaking the tie with Loko that is now fourth at a 13-4 record.
Earl Rowland also made his fair share of damage to the losing squad with 16 points and 8 assists.
It was a match was packed with ups and downs for both teams since coach Obradovic’s players stormed in to grab a 28 – 17 first quarter lead, only to face a serious counterattack by their opponents that put Khimki ahead 43 – 50 at halftime.
The guests kept retaining an advantage but Loko fought back with Taylor Rochestie (14 points) to balance things out. It looked like they might win the match, but Shved had the final say.