In a thrilling matchup at the Basket-Hall in Kazan, UNICS secured a crucial victory over Lokomotiv-Kuban, winning 103-95. This victory not only marked a successful attempt at redemption for UNICS but also showcased their potential against one of the strongest teams in the league.
The game was a high-octane affair right from the start, with both teams demonstrating exceptional shooting prowess. In fact, their shooting percentages reached impressive heights of 42% and 52%, causing excitement among the spectators.
A standout performance came from UNICS forward Devon Akun-Purcell, who fired on all cylinders, scoring 28 points, including 5 out of 11 three-pointers. His explosive play was crucial as UNICS chased down the lead established by Lokomotiv earlier in the game.
At the end of the first quarter, Lokomotiv led slightly with a score of 26-25, thanks to Anton Kvitkovskikh’s 13 points within the opening minutes. Despite the strong start from both sides, errors crept in as the game progressed. Each team seemed eager, leading to turnovers and fouls that kept the energy high and the scoreline close.
As the game moved into the second quarter, UNICS managed to establish a small lead, bringing the score to 36-28 before Lokomotiv clawed back to end the half at 46-46, setting the stage for a tense second half.
The third quarter ramped up the intensity, which saw emotions boiling over. Key moments included a confrontation between Marcos Knight and players from Lokomotiv. UNICS began this quarter with a plan to increase their defensive pressure, but foul trouble became an issue, particularly for Mikhail Belenitsky, who was ejected from the game after reaching five fouls. Lokomotiv took advantage and finished the quarter with a narrow lead of 75-71.
Heading into the final quarter, UNICS needed to respond. The players stayed disciplined, with Knight and Ismael Bako leading the charge. Knight displayed his scoring ability by finishing with 26 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists. Meanwhile, Bako contributed significantly as well, recording 18 points and dominating the boards with 9 rebounds.
UNICS maintained their composure while Lokomotiv, despite showing resilience, faltered in key moments. The Kazan team struck back strongly, pulling ahead and ultimately clinching the victory, overcoming a challenging opponent that had beaten them in previous encounters this season.
The match demonstrated how UNICS continues to evolve as a formidable contender in the league. With this win, they strengthened their hold on third place in the standings, showcasing their determination to pursue the championship. The victory against Lokomotiv not only serves as redemption for earlier losses but also establishes a confidence boost heading into the playoffs.
After the game, Akun-Purcell commented on their performance against Lokomotiv, expressing confidence in the team’s growth and potential as they approach the postseason. "I believe that UNICS is in great shape right now. Of course, we have things to work on, but I am certain that we will be ready for the playoffs. This will allow us to focus on our main objective—to win the championship,” he said.
With the playoffs on the horizon, UNICS is set to take on Avtodor next, with the match scheduled for March 25 at 18:00, a game fans are eagerly anticipating as the team aims to continue their upward trajectory. As for Lokomotiv-Kuban, they will need to regroup and prepare, focusing on overcoming their recent struggles to get back on track in the competitive league.
