Russian side UNICS Kazan defeated Czech Nymburk 94:87 behind a strong 4th quarter finish by the hosts.
The Plot
Nymburk started the season with two wins over Kalev and Lokomotiv Kuban and were hoping to continue their streak in Kazan. However, UNICS had different plans as they needed to avenge for the huge home-court upset by Tsmoki Minsk.
The game was evenly matched in the first quarter as both teams were involved in a high-scoring affair, ending the period 24:27.
UNICS intensified their defensive efforts in the second quarter and managed to reduce their opponents’ shooting percentage, which resulted in a 48:42 advantage prior to intermission.
The hosts managed to maintain a narrow lead throughout the third period and went on a run in the fourth, extending it to double digits. Depleted by the absence of Michael Dixon, who fouled out early in the 4th, Nymburk were unable to match their opponents and lost their first game of the season.
The Hero
Joaquin Colom. The point-guard had a productive affair with team-best 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The Number
+9. That’s the advantage UNICS’ bench outplayed their counterparts from Nymburk. The visitors bet on their starters to outmuscle an opponent like UNICS and it failed to pay off.