«Astana» wins the game with VEF

Today's game can be called one of the most important. Both teams are equal in strength, both teams craved this victory. The game itself revealed whom luck favored today.

The guests broke the ice, but the hosts did not take long to wait,Ike Udalo brought the team 2 points with a spectacular throw. The first part of the match started at a good pace, the teams attacked effectively. Team leader Justin Carter scored three-pointers, which worked well. The entire period was very tense, the balance tipped from one team to another with every attack. The first period of the match ended with a score of 23:19 in favor of «Astana.» The second period was less intense. «Astana» could not successfully realize the throws, and the opponent took advantage of it and scored easy points. When Justin Carter entered the game, the situation has changed. «Astana» gained a good advantage — 41:30.

After a long break, the teams did not lower their playing amplitude. The game was gaining speed, «Astana» also worked well in each attack, which demonstrated leadership in the third quarter — 57:49, as a result of the third period. The final period was completely under the control of the «Astana» players, who did not give a chance to the opponent. The meeting ended with a score of 67:53 in favor of «Astana».

Justin Carter became the most effective player of the match — 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, Anthony Clemmons brought the team — 14 points, Ike Udano and Larry Gordon scored 11 points.

Acting coach of BC «Astana» Mikhail Karpenko:
- We were not ideal in the attack, but we managed to play well in defense and fulfilled the plan for the game. We allowed the opponent to score only 53 points, which is a good result so far . Of course, we need to improve our game in the attack. As a fact, this was my first match, and the team should also get used to all the requirements, nevertheless I'm grateful to all the players. This was a difficult game, and «VEF» fought well.

Head coach of «VEF» Janis Gailitis:
- I congratulate «Astana» on the victory, I would like to note the defense of our rivals — they worked well and did not let us move the ball quickly in the attack. We had the opportunity to score more, but we did not take advantage of this. I would also like to note that we played quite well in the episodes, I hope that in the upcoming games we will be able to perform more successfully.

«Astana» will hold the next match on the road, on January 20. The capital basketball players will meet with the Saratov «Avtodor « in the framework of the VTB United League.