By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
After trailing during the whole second half, Lokomotiv managed to find some strength and tie the game at 72 thanks to Mardy Collins’ two free throws. But they didn’t have the strength to go all the way as Tsmoki Minsk beat them 88-84 in VTB United League.
Devon Saddler led the victors with 22 points. On the other side, Dmitriy Kulagin scored 20 points in addition to Frank Elegar’s 17.
Both teams started aggressively, playing good defense and that rhythm was better for the hosts as they had an eight-point lead (26-18) with six minutes left until halftime. But then Lokomotiv players ‘turned it up a notch’ and made a 16-0 run, eventually going on a well-deserved break with a five-point lead (39-34). Chris Babb led the run with two 3-pointers out of his 12 points in the first half.
But the break helped home players. They showed more energy, especially Saddler (10 points in the third quarter) and they gained the upper hand. It was a four-point lead (55-51) with ten minutes left, bringing the game to a close finish.
Yesterday, VEF Riga defeated Parma Perm 78-67. Alex Perez played a great game for the victors with 21 points, while Codi Miller-McIntyre’s game-high 22 points weren’t enough for Parma.
Photo credit: VTB