By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Zielona Gora made a big surprise and decimated Lokomotiv Kuban on the road (51-66), retaining its hopes to advance to the next phase. This was the second win for the visitors (2-6), who made a great performance on both ends of the floor, whereas the hosts suffered their second defeat (6-2), but have already qualified to the top-16.
For the winners, four players were in double digits, with Mateusz Ponitka making an impressive double-double (11 points, 11 rebounds). On the other hand, Chris Singleton scored 11 points for the losing squad, as Victor Claver had 10 points and eight rebounds.
In the beginning, the match was close, as no team could take a significant advantage (8-12). However, Zielona Gora quickly took control of the game and executed very well on both ends of the floor. Consequently, they made a 5-12 run and ended the first quarter with a double-digit advantage (13-24). Later, Lokomotiv Kuban continued to play mediocre and were unable to make a come-back, with the visitors having an excellent shooting percentage and easily retaining their lead (18-34, 22-36). Zielona Gora closed the first half with a 13-point advantage (27-40), as the Russians were trying to reverse the situation.
In the second half, things didn’t change much. Giorgos Bartzokas’ team was playing very badly on both ends of the floor and the Poles managed to extend their lead to 20 points (29-49), as they were shooting the ball very well, and were in front by 14, after 30 minutes in the game (38-52). In the last quarter, the hosts tried to come back (49-60), however Zielona remained solid, made a 6-0 run and comfortably earned a big victory on the road.