«Vita» Tbilisi, Georgia vs. «Lokomotiv-Kuban» Krasnodar, Russia

Lokomotiv-Kuban defeated Vita on the road, 76-63. The home team kept it close in the first half, but Lokomotiv pulled away after the break thanks to its depth and outstanding defense.

Recap
Despite opening the season on a five-game skid, Vita has improved in each game and hoped to spring the upset against visiting Krasnodar. Coming off the loss to Bisons, the Railwaymen were determined to avoid another defeat.

Vita didn't look like the underdog in the opening minutes. The Georgians played disciplined defense and took advantage of Kyrylo Fesenko's absence to dominate the paint.

Lokomotiv relied on 3-point shooting most of the first half and only managed to secure a two-point lead entering the half, 36-34.

When games are this close, one decisive run can often decide the outcome. Sunday's game was no exception. The Railwaymen opened the 3rd quarter on an 11-0 run to seize control. Despite 20 points and 11 rebounds from Darius Carter, Vita never managed to regain the lead, dropping a 76-63 decision.

Star of the Game
Chris Singleton. The 206-cm American filled in for Fesenko at center, contributing 12 points and nine rebounds, including four boards on the offensive glass.

Stat of the Game
57% - Vita's shooting percentage from inside the arc, but it wasn't enough for a win.

Quotes
Vita head coach Pavel Googe:
- We still don't have enough experience to battle a contender for 40 minutes. At times, we simply ran out of steam...Of course, we want to win and we all believe that success is coming.

Lokomotiv-Kuban head coach Georgios Bartzokas:
- I have to say a big thank-you to the Krasnodar fans! People rode a bus for 20 hours to support the team. It means so much. We really needed the support today. We weren't focused in the first two quarters and only really got going in the 3rd quarter. We couldn't let the people in the stands down. They gave us a big boost. Our fans earned this win alongside our players!

Stats