«Tsmoki-Minsk» Minsk, Belarus vs. UNICS Kazan, Russia

UNICS defeated Tsmoki-Minsk at home, 102-77. Kazan controlled the momentum from the opening tip to pick up its 9th-straight win. The visitors also got revenge for the loss at home to Tsmoki-Minsk in early October.

Recap
Tsmoki-Minsk is one of the few teams this season to enjoy success vs. UNICS. Entering Sunday's contest, the White-Greens boasted an eight-game winning streak and trailed 1st-place CSKA by only two games. Tsmoki also needed a win, sitting one game back of Nizhny Novgorod for the final playoff spot.

UNICS wasted no time seizing control. Discipline on defense and excellent ball movement helped the visitors go on top, 28-15, after 10 minutes. Tsmoki played better in the 2nd quarter, but Kazan maintained a double-digit lead. His team leading by 14, UNICS forward Kostas Kaimakoglou closed the first half with style, knocking down a buzzer-beater from halfcourt. Entering the break, UNICS led, 52-35.

Evgeny Pashutin's men took care of business in the second half, outscoring Tsmoki by eight points to enjoy a 102-77 win. That's nine straight victories for Kazan and moves the team to 14-2 overall.

Star Player
Artsiom Parakhouski. Parakhouski played inspired basketball in his return to his native Belarus. The UNICS big man recorded 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals in only 17 minutes on the court.

Stat of the Game
29 - number of UNICS assists. Kazan played like a team and moved the ball with precision.

Quotes
Tsmoki-Minsk head coach Igor Grishchuk:
- We knew that UNICS is an elite opponent and so we gave our younger players an opportunity to test themselves against the competition. The score and the game's competitiveness could have been different, but all of our thoughts and energy are focused on Wednesday's game vs. Gussing, which will decide our fate in the Eurocup Top 32.

UNICS head coach Evgeny Pashutin:
- Congratulations to my men on the win. We prepared carefully for Tsmoki-Minsk, because we knew how tough they are. If you aren't careful, Hilliard and Gray can bury in 3's, while Stutz scores around the basket. That's why we prepared thoroughly and had the right approach. We remembered how we lost to the Dragons in the first half of the season and wanted to get revenge. I'm satisfied with the quality of the game and the guys' effort.

Snapshot