«Nizhny Novgorod» Nizhny Novgorod, Russia vs. «Tsmoki-Minsk» Minsk, Belarus

Nizhny Novgorod defeated Tsmoki-Minsk on the road, 100-85. The home team pulled away in the 3rd quarter, cruising to victory down the stretch. Nizhny now enjoys a two and a half game lead over Enisey and Tsmoki-Minsk for 8th place in the standings and moves above .500 to 7-6.

Recap
Nizhny Novgorod and Tsmoki-Minsk have been neighbors in the standings for several weeks, battling for 8th place and the league's final playoff spot. Fittingly, the two teams met in Nizhny Novgorod to open 2016.

Both teams pushed the pace in the opening minutes, scoring on fast breaks and finding success from outside. Nizhny came out on top in the 1st quarter, taking a 30-18 lead thanks to Ivan Strebkov's buzzer-beater. At halftime, Minsk cut the deficit to seven, 45-38.

After scoring just 15 points in the second period, the home team smashed Tsmoki in the mouth to start the second half, ripping off a 21-2 run. Trailing by 26, the visitors never had a chance to respond, falling to a 100-85 defeat on the road.

Star Player
Rasid Mahalbasic. The Slovenian center scored a game-high 20 points while dishing out seven assists, a new personal record.

Stat of the Game
12 - each Nizhny Novgorod starter scored at least 12 points.

Snapshot