UNICS Kazan 96 Azovmash Mariupol 64

The Ukrainian champion Azovmash had huge support in their away game against UNICS Kazan, as the President of the Ukrainian Federation made the trip to Kazan along with 100 supporters. Unfortunately for the visitors, the support did not make too much difference as they lost 94:64.

Nonetheless, in the first period Azovmash gave their fans plenty to cheer about as they led 17:9 after 8 minutes of 1st quarter action. The home team rallied in the last 2 minutes, upping the tempo of the game and closing the gap to 1-point, 18:19.

The 2nd quarter was all UNICS who, led by Lithuanian forward Saulius Stombergas, blew Azovmash out of the game, outscoring them 34:15 and taking a 20-point lead.

UNICS held on to their lead comfortably in the 3rd period, and extended it into the 4th as Andriy Botichev and Leonid Yaylo fouled out for Azovmash.

Stombergas top scored for Kazan with 19 points. Chris Antsey, the current FIBA Europe League Player of the Week, added 18 points and 6 rebounds.

Azovmasch center Nikola Bulatovic led all scorers with 21 points.

Game-MVP: Saulius Stombergas

Quotes UNICS - Azovmash

Andrei Podkovyrov, Head Coach, Azovmash:

“The result of the game was alright. We are newcomers in such a high-level competition. We played 2 quarters very well but also two quarters bad.”

Stanislav Eremin, Head Coach, UNICS:

“I congratulate the guests to their good defense which was a big surprise for us. Our 96 points are not the result of their bad defense but of technical mistakes. I am glad by the game of Koubrakov, Anstey, Stombergas and Samoilenko. And plus Muursepp started to play better. Nevertheless we miss Lamarr Greer very much as a point-guard.”