Jerald honeycutt (Avtodor) is stzopped by Ukranian Olexandr Zahrybelnyy and one of his teammates

Today’s game became the last in the series of games between Avtodor and Sumykhimprom as Avtodor advance to the Final Four of the Conference North.

Denis Khloponine was not playing for Avtodor due to the injury he suffered in practice. From the opponent’s  team Ivan Shkurupiy had to sit out. He got injured during the first game between Avtodor and Sumykhimprom.

The beginning of the game was marked by very good attacks by the hosts from the 3-point line The Russians quickly led 11-4. However, the Ukranian team found enough strength to tie the score 23-23 at the end of the first quarter.

During the last seconds of the first quarter Avtodor’ guard Vladimir Chevel scored 2 points with Avtodor leading 25:23. Vladimir Chevel was the best player of the first half and scored 16 points.

The start of the second quarter the Sumykhimprom managed a 9-0 run and tokk the lead 25-32. Igor Kryvych showed a good performance and already had a double-double in the first half(19 points and 10 rebounds).

But Avtodor stroke back and started their own 12-0 run. At the break both teams were tied 39-39.

		Vladimir Chevel was outstanding both in defense and in offense (28 points)

The third quarter saw fantastic attacks from the 3-point line by Olexander Shapochnykov (3/3). It helped the Ukranian team hold the attacks of Avtodor because Avtodor’ guard Bryant Notree and captain Vladimir Veremeenko showed terrific play. The Forwar from Belarus had 7 offensive rebounds in the first 20 minutes. 

After the third period Sumykhimprom still had the chance to win when they were only one point down (65-66). However Bryant Notree gave them a hard time in his first game for Avtodor in Europe Cup. His efforts led to the score of 80-72.

The end of the game was marked by a terrific game of the center Jerald Honeycutt (Avtodor). His points sealed the 97-87 win for the Russians who also won the series.

MVP of the game: Vladimir Chevel (Avtodor) with 28 points

Anatoly Yurchenko, Head Coach, BC Sumykhimprom:

“Two main players of our team could not take part in the game – forward Ivan Shkurupiy and guard Artem Butskyy. Both players were injured during the first game against Avtodor. Despite of this fact we played much better. Especially with the help of Igor Krivich and Olexander Shaposhnykov. Unfortunately, we dont have players of the level of Veremeenko and Honeycutt, who helped their team to win this game.”

Vladimir Rodionov, Head Coach, Avtodor:

“We also had two important players (Denis Khloponine and Roman Gorelovski) who could not take part in the game due to injuries. Also the leading players of the team – Vladimir Veremeenko and Jerald Honeycutt – were not in their best physical shape. Vladimir Chevel and Anton Agueev played very well and spent much time on the court. That was the reason why other young players of the team (Zibirov, Korolev, Doudoukine and Ivanov) did not get enough time to play."