«Avtodor» Saratov, Russia vs. VEF Riga, Latvia

Avtodor defeated VEF at home on Saturday evening, 86-74. A big 1st quarter put the home team in front by 13, an advantage it would not relinquish on the way to its 4th win of the season.

Recap
Only one game separated these two teams entering the night. 3-4 on the season, Avtodor was 3-1 at home and hoped to take advantage of the game in Saratov to improve to .500. VEF, meanwhile, was coming off a win against Astana and needed a win to avoid dropping four games below .500.

Avtodor dominated the opening minutes thanks to up-tempo offense and solid perimeter shooting. The home team enjoyed a 31-18 lead at the end of the 1st quarter.

VEF responded by slowing the pace and tightening the screws on defense. The Latvians held Avtodor scoreless for five minutes in the 2nd quarter, but failed to take much advantage, scoring just six points during the stretch.

Jeff Brooks got the home team got back on the board and and helped Saratov finish the half on a 9-2 run. At halftime, the score was Avtodor 48, VEF 35.

The home team maintained the status quo in the 3rd quarter, never letting VEF get closer than 11 points. Entering the  final period, Avtodor held a 62-51 advantage.

VEF's Arturs Strelnieks briefly cut the deficit to eight points, knocking down a '3' on the first possession of the 4th quarter. The visitors would get no closer. Avtodor ripped off a 9-0 run to make it a 17-point lead and erase any doubt as to the outcome.

VEF drops to 2-6 with the loss, while Avtodor returns to .500, 4-4 on the season.

Star of the Game
Jeremy Chappell. The Saratov guard was effective and efficient, picking up a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds. He also played solid defense.

Stat of the Game
45-32 - Avtodor's starters outscored VEF's starting five by 13, one point more than the final margin of victory.

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Stats