UNICS Kazan hero Lamarr Greer believes his team's greater hunger was the deciding factor in the Russian Superleague victory over FIBA Europe League rivals Ural-Great.

The American was the toast of Kazan as he bounced back from injury to pour in 32 points, inspiring his team to an emphatic 87-72 victory.

The triumph enabled UNICS to leapfrog their opponents and move into second in the Superleague.

Located in central Russia, Kazan is renowned as a hotbed of revolutionary activity, but the locals hit the streets in a far more convivial manner following their team's crucial victory.

"I was well aware of the history between the two teams, as I was told before the game that they faced each other in each of the last three years in the play-offs," Greer told Russian newspaper Sport-Express.

"We were able to beat them at the weekend because we showed a huge desire to win and played better on the day.

"But I don't think there is an essential difference between the teams, as Ural-Great also have some good players, but I'm glad my team won.

"Last month wasn't successful for me as I struggled with injuries, but I am glad to be back in good form again and to have helped the team in such an important game."

It was a good week for the American basketball stars in Russia, with forward John Holden named Player of the Month for November.

Holden's performances have been in key factor in CSKA Moscow's march to the top of the table; they have won all 10 of their matches so far.

And he had 13 points and hauled down three rebounds to help his team to a 106-80 triumph over BC Khimki at the weekend.

He said: "We are playing very well, but UNICS Kazan and Ural-Great will push us hard in the race for the title.

"It's impossible to say if we are stronger last season, but we have more possibilities and a bigger group of players."

While UNICS star Greer has returned from injury, another player will be forced to stay off the court for about two weeks with fitness problems:

Avtodor Saratov skipper Vladimir Veremeenko. Veremeenko has a finger injury that is likely to keep him out for between 10 and 14 days, although club doctors say his recovery is going well.