«Krasny Oktyabr» Volgograd, Russia vs. VEF Riga, Latvia

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VEF Escapes In Volgograd

VEF defeated Krasny Oktyabr in Volgograd on Saturday night, 94-88. Close from start to finish, the game was decided in the final minute, when VEF's superior execution helped the visitors notch their first win of the season and drop Volgograd to 1-3.

Intro
Offense took center stage in the first half as both teams pushed the tempo and attacked from the perimeter. The Steelmen enjoyed success breaking down VEF's defense one-on-one, while the visitors were efficient in the pick-and-roll. By halftime, the two clubs had combined for 106 points with the score tied, 53-53.

The offense kept humming for most of the 3rd quarter, though both teams struggled from the field late in the period. Riga tried to compensate with a big rotation and high-energy defense, securing a five-point lead early in the final quarter. Francisco Cruz did the most damage for VEF on offense, finishing with a team-high 21 points.

Turning Point
Krasny Oktyabr regained the lead briefly late in the 4th quarter, before a pair of free throws from Mareks Mejeris put VEF back on top, 89-88, with 1:31 to play.

Perhaps due to fatigue, Krasny Oktyabr's stars struggled down the stretch. Richard Guinn committed a turnover and D.J. Cooper missed a 3-pointer that would have tied the game in the final minute.

Mejeris put VEF on top by four on the ensuing possession, hitting the first of two free throws, before JaJuan Johnson accidentally tipped in Mejeris's miss on the second attempt, putting VEF in front by six. That's how the game would end: 94-88 in favor of the visitors.

Star of the Game
Francisco Cruz. His two 3-pointers in the 1st quarter helped VEF erase an early deficit. He continued to stroke the ball over the course of the game. Cruz finished with 21 points, including a 4-4 performance from downtown.

Stat of the Game
27-36 - Krasny Oktyabr shot 75% from inside the arc. If not for a 5-10 mark in the 4th quarter, Oktyabr may have set a new league record (CSKA shot 83.7% against Dnepr).

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