«Krasny Oktyabr» Volgograd, Russia vs. «Tsmoki-Minsk» Minsk, Belarus

Krasny Oktyabr Volgograd defeated Tsmoki-Minsk in Moscow, 96-80. The Steelmen took control of the game after halftime, turning a two-point deficit into a 14-point lead entering the 4th quarter. With the win, Volgograd improves to 9-12 and continues the hunt for a playoff berth.

Recap
Each of the previous five meetings between these two teams were decided by five or less points. Both teams were also searching for a win to stay alive in the playoff hunt.

The first half matched expectations. Krasny Oktyabr briefly led by as much as 10, but once Minsk found an answer for Ekene Ibekwe under the basket, Volgograd began to struggle. Ivan Maras even gave the visitors a two-point lead at the end of the first half, knocking down a jumper in the final seconds of the 2nd quarter.

Everything changed in the second half. While Tsmoki continued to control the paint on defense, Krasny Oktyabr's snipers found an opening on the perimeter. Zavoruev, Mateiunas and Jefferson led the home team to a double-digit lead at the end of the period and Oktyabr went on to secure a comfortable 96-80 win, improving to 9-12 on the season.

Star Player
Ekene Ibekwe. Tsmoki-Minsk's suffocating defense didn't prevent the American forward from finishing with a double-double: 22 points--including three 3-pointers--and 14 rebounds to go with three assists, one steal and three blocks.

Stat of the Game
30-14 - Volgograd enjoyed a decisive 3rd quarter and had no trouble closing out the win in the final period.

Snapshot