22.10.2017, 22:00 Views: 498
Source: Press service
Author: Almira Shakhaeva
Astana basketball players could not beat «Tsmoki-Minsk» in the game of the VTB United League regular season, which was held today in Minsk — 75:66 (16:24, 23:11, 20:13, 16:18).
Justin Carter, a leading player of Astana, did not take part in the match and was injured before the flight. The absence of the main player immediately affected the game of the team. Kostas Frevalakis’s players began the game vigorously, which resulted in the lead of 16:24 in favour of «Astana» in the first quarter. In the second period, hosts took over the initiative and strenuously the glass of Astana from a three-point arc.
After a long break, the situation had not changed; the «Dragons» with the support of their tribunes set Astana’s ring to fire. In the final period, “Astana” speeded on, but even three-pointers by Anthony Clemmons and Anton Ponomarev could not reverse the score of the match. The meeting ended with a score of 75:66 in favour of “Tsmoki-Minsk”.
The most effective:
«Tsmoki-Minsk»: Alexander Semenyuk (14 + 5 rebounds), Christopher Cherrapovic (12), Devon Saddler (11).
«Astana»: Hondur Vilhalmsson (17), Anthony Clemmons (11), Ike Udano (10 + 6 rebounds).
Head Coach of «Tsmoki-Minsk» Alexander Krutikov: - First of all, I want to congratulate all the fans on our victory. It was a very important game; we had to win it at any cost. I think that's why at the beginning we seemed to be acting a bit nervous. In addition, we did not very well defend against «Astana» individual players. Then we felt our rhythm, started to move the ball and gained the speed we needed to attack. After the big break we went ahead and throughout the second half of the game dominated it.
Head coach of «Astana» Konstantinos Flevarakis: - «Tsmoki» is a good team, it played some good matches in European competitions. We demonstrated a good game, but only in the first 15 minutes. They knew that it would be difficult for us, especially without Justin Carter. After all, we lost not just the best shooter: in the last game Carter vs. Zenit, for example, he made 9 rebounds and made 3 assists, also being fouled 9 times. Well, we will continue to work and, I think, will become what we want to be.
The next match will be held on October 30 against the Moscow Region club «Khimki» in frame of the VTB United League.
