«Lokomotiv-Kuban» Krasnodar, Russia vs. VEF Riga, Latvia

Lokomotiv-Kuban defeated VEF at home on Sunday, 71-63. The game was decided in the 3rd quarter when Anthony Randolph, Malcolm Delaney and Dontaye Draper put the home team up 16, allowing Lokomotiv to cruise to victory in the 4th.

With the win, Krasnodar remains in 3rd place, but must win on Thursday in St. Petersburg to avoid dropping to 5th.

Recap
Both teams had different objectives. Lokomotiv hosts Barcelona on Tuesday in Game 5 of their Euroleague quarterfinal series with a spot in the Final Four on the line. But the Railwaymen also needed a win in the VTB United League to remain in 3rd place. VEF, meanwhile, had a chance to jump Enisey to 10th place in the final standings.

Riga came ready to play from the opening tip. The home team dug in defensively, knocked down open shots and demonstrated impressive athleticism, but VEF refused to fade, punishing Lokomotiv from the perimeter. The visitors connected on five 3-pointers in the 1st quarter, picking up a slim 20-19 lead.

VEF didn't stop there. Strong defense to open the 2nd quarter gave the visitors a 31-22 edge. Loko's guards got the home team back in the game. Malcolm Delaney and Dontaye Draper split open Riga's defense, helping Kuban knot the score at 36-36 entering halftime.

The 3rd quarter proved decisive. Anthony Randolph and Malcolm Delaney helped Kuban surge to a 10-point advantage in the opening minutes of the second half. VEF tried to mount a comeback, but Loko's defense was too much.

A second scoring spurt put the outcome beyond doubt. Loko scored 12 straight to end the 3rd and open the 4th, pushing the advantage to 19 (65-46). Riga hit a few 3-pointers late in the contest, but it wasn't enough. The Railwaymen take care of business at home and begin preparing for Tuesday and Thursday's huge matchups in the Euroleague and VTB United League.

Star Player
Anthony Randolph. The Loko forward was terrific once again, knocking down eight of 11 field-goal attempts (2-3 from beyond the arc) to finish with a game-high 22 points.

Stat of the Game
11 - Lokomotiv won its 11th straight game at home. Krasnodar has not lost at the Basket Hall since mid-December.

Snapshot