UNICS Kazan (3-1) dropped their first game at the VTB United League, losing to Avtodor Saratov (3-1) 76-81 (12-26, 25-20, 24-14, 15-21).
The game was tied at 75 with 1:48 to go after Mario Hezonja's dunk, but DJ Funderburk made both free throws to give Avtodor a four-point lead (79-75). They held on to upset UNICS by five.
Avtodor dominated in the first period, limiting UNICS to 12 points. Their advantage increased to 17 points in the second quarter (35-18).
However, UNICS pushed back and tied the game towards the end of the third quarter (53-53). They started the final period in front, but Avtodor regained the advantage at six (73-67) with less than five minutes remaining.
Lorenzo Brown led UNICS with 19 (4/7 2PT, 2/5 3PT, 5/6 FT), 8 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 turnovers, and 23 PIR.
UNICS: Lorenzo Brown 19 (8 AST, 5 REB), John Brown 17 (5 REB), Isaiah Canaan 11, Jarrel Brantley 9 (6 REB), Mario Hezonja 9 (6 REB).
Saratov: Jaron Johnson 15 (7 REB), Philip Scrubb 15, Kenny Chery 10 (5 AST), DJ Funderburk 10, Grant Jerrett 10 (6 REB).
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