Mega defeated Lokomotiv Kuban at home in WINLINE Basket Cup group stage – 103:100 ОТ (37:24, 12:27, 16:20, 22:16, 16:13).
Game progress
The game in Belgrade was the first WINLINE Basket Cup outside Russia. As the home team, Mega started aggressively. Lokomotiv Kuban was not ready for this, letting the Serbian team to score 37 points in 10 minutes and falling behind by 13. A short break was enough to recover. In the second quarter, the Krasnodar team was able to neutralize the opponent’s strengths and relied on Patrick Miller and Kassius Robertson in offense. By halftime, the Russian club had even managed to get a slight lead – 51:49.
The second half was more equal. Loko maintained an advantage, but was unable to increase it. As a result, the game smoothly transitioned into the clutch, where the opponents were unable to determine a winner. In the decisive possessions of regulation time, both teams defended well – overtime!
Key Moment
The result of the most dramatic and tense WINLINE Basket Cup game so far was decided in the extra time. Mega pulled ahead with Asim Dzulovic’s and-one (99:96). Lokomotiv Kuban responded with Anton Kvitkovskikh’s made shot in the final minute, after which the opponents began exchanging tactical fouls (the Serbian team did not want to give the rival the opportunity for a three-pointer). Such basketball gave the guest an excellent chance after Savo Drezgic missed free-throws.
Loko had 24 seconds for possession, but did not make the most of this opportunity – the guests did not even manage to shoot. As a result, after official review on possession, Loko had 0.5 seconds left, and Kassius Robertson scored a potentially winning shot. However, a replay showed that he did not throw the ball in time.
After Loko’s foul with a second left, Drezgic rehabilitate and made 2 free-throws, while Robertson missed three-pointer from other half.
X-Factor
A poor first quarter for Loko set the tone for the entire game, when the guests let Mega to score 37 points. Despite a comeback, the Krasnodar team never recovered from such discouraging start.
Facts
The Serbian team secures second win in the tournament, while Loko gets its second loss.
The teams needed overtime – a first in the history of the WINLINE Basket Cup.
Press-Conference
Mega head coach Vule Avdalovic:
– We started the game well. In the second quarter, I don’t know why, we relaxed and allowed them to make a lot of easy shots. It was an interesting game till the end. It was a great experience for all of us. Congratulations to the guys who really gave it their all in the end. I think they deserved to win.
Lokomotiv Kuban head coach Anton Yudin:
– Congratulations to Mega, they played well today, especially in offense. We gave them too much freedom in the first quarter. Then we were able to get back into the game, but the first quarter became the key.
Leaders
Mega: Savo Drezgic (29 points + 9 assists), Asim Dzulovic (23 points + 15 rebounds), Luigi Suigo (19 points + 8 rebounds), Bogoljub Markovic (14 points + 6 rebounds + 6 assists)
Lokomotiv Kuban: Patrick Miller (30 + 9 rebounds), Антон Квитковских (17 + 11 rebounds), Kassius Robertson (17 + 5 rebounds), Vince Hunter (12 + 8 rebounds + 5 assists)
Next Game
Zenit (St. Petersburg, Russia) vs UNICS (Kazan, Russia), November 5.