«Tsmoki-Minsk» Minsk, Belarus vs. «Lokomotiv-Kuban» Krasnodar, Russia

Lokomotiv-Kuban defeated Tsmoki-Minsk on the road, 75-60. Krasnodar's defense helped the visitors secure a double-digit lead in the opening period and ultimately pick up an important 15-point win. Tsmoki battled, but couldn't overcome 21 turnovers and Lokomotiv's depth.

Recap
After Sunday's loss to UNICS, Krasnodar traveled to Minsk intent on securing a win. It wasn't expected to be easy. The Belarusians played CSKA tough over the weekend and hoped to do the same vs. Lokomotiv, especially with Kuban's starting point guard Malcolm Delaney sitting the game out.

Both teams struggled to score in the opening minutes, needing three and a half minutes to put a single point on the scoreboard. Tsmoki center Aliaksandr Semianiuk ended the drought first, but the Dragons failed to keep it going, surrendering a 13-0 run to fall behind, 23-12, at the end of the opening period.

The visitors continued to impress in the 2nd quarter. The defense held Minsk to 25 points in the first half and Matt Janning, Victor Claver and Ryan Toolson did enough on offense to push the advantage to 41-25 at halftime.

The 3rd quarter opened with a duel at the center position. Kuban's Anthony Randolph got the upper hand, answering a pair of Garrett Stutz field goals with a 10-point run of his own. Midway through the period, Loko's lead had grown to 22, 54-32.

Despite enjoying some success from beyond the arc and getting contributions from Ivan Maras, Minsk never threatened down the stretch. Kuban controlled the tempo, cruising to a 15-point victory away from the home, the team's 20th of the season.

Star Player
Dontaye Draper. The veteran American had no trouble filling in for Delaney. Draper led his club on both ends of the court, helping Loko pull away in the 1st quarter and making sure Tsmoki never challenged with his defense.

Stat of the Game
60 - number of points allowed by Loko. The defense was the key to the visitors' win.

Snapshot