Game Of The Week: Loko's Momentum Or Khimki's Poise?

Lokomotiv-Kuban Krasnodar hosts Khimki Moscow Region in the Game of the Week.

Who:
Lokomotiv-Kuban, 2014-15 VTB United League semifinalists
vs.
Khimki, 2014-15 VTB United League finalists

Where:
Basket Hall (capacity 7,500), Krasnodar, Russia

When:
3:00 PM (3:00 PM MSK), March 7, 2016

TV:
Match TV (Russia), United League TV

Face To Face
This rivalry is only getting started in the VTB United League with a majority of the meetings (five of eight) taking place during last season's dramatic semifinal series in the playoffs. Moscow Region needed five games to overcome Loko, wearing down the Railwaymen to advance to the finals. Kuban also lost a thrilling double-overtime game in Moscow Region earlier this season, undone by Alexey Shved's 32-point, 12-assist performance. It should be noted that Krasnodar coach Georgios Bartzokas was not present at the game, which likely had an effect on his team's play. Bartzokas will be on the sidelines on Monday, however, and both teams are in excellent health for the showdown.

Looking Back

First Encounter

Intrigue
Lokomotiv-Kuban has been getting better and better each game. The defense was in place from the beginning, but over the past two months Krasnodar's offense has also begun to improve. As a result, Lokomotiv has jumped from 6th to 3rd in the standings, putting together an 11-game winning streak, including last week's win over the reigning champs CSKA. Krasnodar is also taking care of business in the Euroleague and looks like a serious contender for the Final Four.

Khimki, meanwhile, is looking to snap out of its February funk. The team took a step in the right direction earlier this week, thoroughly dominating Barcelona at home to remain in position for a berth in the quarterfinals.

The main storyline is that Khimki and Lokomotiv will be battling for 3rd place. Both teams likely want to avoid a potential semifinal matchup with top seed CSKA in the playoffs, which is why snagging a top-3 seed is so important.

Question
Loko's defense or Khimki's offense?

Lokomotiv has boasted one of Europe's premier defenses since the beginning of the season. The Railwaymen only allow 72 points per game, 2nd to CSKA (71.4 ppg). Bartzokas's schemes most recently stymied Anadolu Efes, holding the Turkish powerhouse to 61 points.

Moscow Region enters today's game averaging 97.8 ppg, significantly better than 2nd-place CSKA (95.4 ppg). Offense enjoyed the upper hand when these teams first met as Khimki became the only club to score more than 100 points against Lokomotiv this season. Can Krasnodar neutralize Khimki's firepower on offense?

Duel
Malcolm Delaney (Lokomotiv-Kuban) vs. Tyrese Rice (Khimki)

The Krasnodar guard is enjoying a terrific season and is one of the contenders for Euroleague MVP. Anthony Randolph is also coming on strong for the Railwaymen and recently picked up the VTB United League February MVP, but Delaney remains the driving force behind Lokomotiv's success. He scored 17 on CSKA's vaunted backcourt and dropped 19 vs. Efes.

On the other side, Khimki is led in scoring by Alexey Shved, but Rice is responsible for organizing the league's top offense. He has been outstanding, leading the league in assists (7.5 apg). Rice won the first matchup of elite point guards, holding Delaney to 3-17 shooting. There's no question Delaney will be looking for revenge on Monday.

Quotes
Lokomotiv-Kuban head coach Georgios Bartzokas:
- Khimki is one of the best attacking teams in Europe and a key rival in the fight for a high spot in the VTB United League standings. We shouldn't compete with Khimki at what they do best: fast breaks, individual guard play. If so, we won't have much of a chance. We can impose our will on our opponents and we need to do that again vs. Khimki.

Khimki head coach Rimas Kurtinaitis:
- Lokomotiv is playing well right now. They're on the rise, plus they will be at home. We won't have an easy time, but our backs are against the wall. We need to make up lost ground. Krasnodar has a big roster and shoots well from outside. They play fast and disciplined. I'd like to use a bigger rotation in this game, since our most recent games have been very intense and I've had to rely on eight players. We've got a game plan and we've broken down our opponent. Just like we did against Barcelona, we need to bring our plans to life and demonstrate the same approach and competitive spirit. We didn't do anything special against the Catalan club, but we were more aggressive, and had more individual pride and a better attitude. I think everyone on the team understands that. I believe in our players.

Prediction
- I'd give the advantage to Kuban in this meeting, - says 2007 EuroBasket champion Nikita Morgunov, who played for both Loko and Khimki. - I think that Lokomotiv-Kuban is the best team in the VTB United League at the moment. Krasnodar lost too many games at the start of the game, which is why I don't think they plan to give away any more points. Khimki is struggling a bit mentally, but the win over Barcelona should have lifted their spirits. I expect a real battle on Monday!