«Lokomotiv-Kuban» Krasnodar, Russia vs. «Nymburk» Nymburk, Czech Republic

Lokomotiv-Kuban defeated Nymburk at home, 75-58. For two and half quarters, neither team could gain the upper hand in this defensive struggle. The breakthrough eventually came on the perimeter: Malcolm Delaney and Victor Claver knocked down a pair of 3-pointers that put Lokomotiv on top by 12, a lead the home team would not relinquish.

Recap
This was expected to be a defensive struggle. Both Krasnodar and Nymburk are known for defense, ranking 2nd and 6th in the league. The two clubs were also tied for 5th in the standings, raising the stakes further.

Not surprisingly, the offense sputtered in the first half. Both teams struggled to create open shots with most of the points being scored in the paint. Loko was slightly better inside, earning a 31-29 lead at halftime, but Nymburk had to be happy with its performance on the road.

The 3rd quarter got off to a similar start, but Loko's defensive pressure eventually began to pay dividends. Nymburk started making more and more mistakes and the home team capitalized, securing a 12-point lead thanks to 3-pointers from Delaney and Claver.

At risk of getting blown out, the Czechs didn't fold. Michael Dixon hit a tough shot to close the 3rd quarter and the visitors pulled to within eight early in the 4th.

But Krasnodar slowed Nymburk's momentum with a timeout, then got 3's from Dontaye Draper and Ryan Broekhoff to push the lead back to 13.

The Lions never got closer than nine the rest of the way, giving Lokomotiv its 10th victory of the season. Krasnodar also earns revenge for a loss in Nymburk earlier in the season and takes over sole possession of 5th place.

Star Player
Ryan Broekhoff. The Australian big man finished one rebound shy of a double-double (12 points and nine rebounds). His nine points in the second half, including several huge 3's, played a big role in Lokomotiv's win.

Stat of the Game
44% - Loko's three-point shooting was solid, connecting on 11 of 25 attempts.

Snapshot