MBC Odessa took on Lokomotiv Rostov tonight in a match-up where only pride was at stake. Both teams were assured of advancing to the next round of the competition, but Odessa were trying to inflict a first defeat against the Russian side in the competition.
Ultimately they fell short of their task as Lokomotiv proved to be the stronger side down the stretch, and the Russians stretched away for a 79-82 win to preserve their unbeaten record.
It was former Russian international Igor Kudelin who tied the score at 74-74 in the fourth quarter, and gave Lokomotiv the momentum they needed to secure the win.
British-American guard Danny Lewis was a key contributor for Lokomotiv and he finished the game with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.
Andriy Kapinos top scored for Odessa with 18 points on 4/5 three-point shooting.
V. Cinmann, Head Coach Lokomotiv Rostov:
"I was informed too late about the change of the game date. And then Gustas fell ill. All these problems caused our bad coordination in this game. The third quarter was no wonder for me, but in the end we proved our higher level of professionalism."
V. Pudzyrey, Head Coach MBC Odessa.
"We could have won. Unfortunately we lost Drugachonok. And apart from this we lost all rebounds in defence. In general I'm satisfied with the team but not with tonight's result."