UNICS Kazan (11-7) prevailed the reigning champs Anadolu Efes Istanbul (9-9) 75-67 (24-17, 18-21, 15-11, 18-18) and recovered after the losing effort in OT drama last week.
| Player of the Game | |
|
EFF
28
|
| John Brown | |
| Points | 20 |
| Accuracy | 8-13 |
| Rebounds | 3 |
| Assists | 2 |
Both teams were trading treys at the start of the fourth quarter. After Isaiah Canaan's successful triple, UNICS gained a double-digit lead (67-57) with 5 minutes to go. John Brown hit a superb reverse layup (69-57) while James Anderson converted a 2+1 play on the other side (60-69).
Squads were struggling to score but Chris Singleton terminated the silence, converting and-one play (63-69) with 1:50 left on the clock. John Brown nailed two free shots from the line while Singleton answered with a duo (65-71).
Later, Marco Spissu and Shane Larkin exchanged successful plays (67-73) with 37 seconds to play. Anadolu Efes could not score and UNICS celebrated the deserved victory.
John Brown was spectacular for the Russian club, posting 20 points (8/12 2PT, 0/1 3PT, 4/5 FT), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 steals, 7 drawn fouls, and 28 PIR.
"It was my night! We got the win, that's more important, but we still have some things to focus on, little mental lapses, but we should be fine. Everything is wonderful - smiling and ready to go for the next game," Brown did not hide his joy after the win.
Velimir Perasovic added: "It is important for our psychology; when they went on a run, they never took the lead. The last quarter was, as always, more important and we played really well. The fans were very good today."
Shane Larkin was the top scorer for Anadolu Efes, accumulating 17 points (2/6 2PT, 3/7 3PT, 4/4 FT), 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 6 turnovers, 5 drawn fouls, and 21 PIR.
Tonye Jekiri missed the game for UNICS Kazan, while Vasilije Micic (sprained his ankle during warmup) and Krunoslav Simon were sidelined for Anadolu Efes.
UNICS came out very strong from the first minute, arranging a massive 17-0 run, after Andrey Vorontsevich's a couple of treys, Browns' baskets, and Mario Hezonja's 7 points. However, Anadolu Efes were not ready to give up, they answered with a 12-3 spurt on their own to reduce the deficit to 8 points (12-20). Bryant Dunston and Adrien Moerman were guiding the path.
Anadolu Efes, led by Shane Larkin, organized another push in the second quarter. Ergin Ataman's squad spurted 11-3 and cut the margin between the clubs to one point (30-31). UNICS played a better stretch before halftime and went into the locker room, being 4 points in front (42-38).
The third period was going neck to neck, though, UNICS pushed the accelerator pedal late and closed the quarter with a quick 5-0 run (57-49).
UNICS: John Brown 20 (3 REB, 5 STL), Andrey Vorontsevich 12 (6 REB), Isaiah Canaan 9 (4 REB, 4 AST), Mario Hezonja 9 (9 REB), Marco Spissu 9.
Anadolu Efes: Shane Larkin 17 (9 REB, 4 AST, 6 TO), Bryant Dunston 15 (8 REB, 3 BLK, 23 PIR), Chris Singleton 11, James Anderson 8 (5 REB).
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