Preview: MBA-MAI vs. Astana

29.03.2025, 16:00 Просмотров: 57
Источник: Press service
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MBA-MAI currently sits ninth in the VTB United League standings with a 13–26 record. Coached by Vasily Karasev, they are slightly ahead of Enisey (13–27) and three wins behind Parma (16–23). In their last five games, MBA-MAI has recorded four losses and one win. Their recent defeats came against Uralmash (85:79), CSKA (90:62), Parma (90:86), and Avtodor (85:95). Their only win came in convincing fashion against Samara, with a final score of 99:60.

It’s worth noting that MBA-MAI has also been competing outside the VTB League this month. They participated in the Russian Cup Final, where they lost to Uralmash (84:68) but bounced back with a win over Khimki (72:62) to claim the bronze medals.

Among their top scorers are Andrey Zubkov (14.3 PPG), Makar Konovalov (9.8 PPG + 5.1 APG), and Vladislav Trushkin (8.3 PPG)—a forward who can’t be left open beyond the arc.

Keep an eye on:

Andrey Desyatnikov is one rebound away from his 150th of the season.
Grigory Motovilov is two assists shy of reaching 100 this season.

Head-to-head:

Astana and MBA-MAI have met nine times in the VTB League, with MBA-MAI winning eight of those encounters. Astana claimed their only win in the series back in an earlier season. Their last game was on 1 February in Astana, where MBA-MAI won decisively 61:87. Tomorrow’s match is a chance to go for revenge.

Gleb Plotnikov, Acting Head Coach of BC Astana:

“MBA-MAI is a young, physically strong team. We know our opponent well. We’ve got a game plan in place—now it’s about executing it. We also need to bring physicality and not back down from a tough, contact-heavy game.”

Match: MBA-MAI vs. Astana
Date & Time: 30 March, 18:00
Venue: Basket Hall, Moscow
Watch live: On our website

MBA-MAI Too Strong in Moscow

31.03.2025, 11:00 Просмотров: 60
Источник: Press service
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The opening quarter was full of tight, physical play. Although the hosts got off to a stronger start, Astana answered back. A mid-range jumper from Grigory Motovilov and a powerful putback by Galin Smith set the tone. A three-pointer by Rustam Murzagaliev and a bucket from Aitkali brought the deficit down to just one.

In the second quarter, MBA-MAI put together a 6–1 run. After a timeout, Utomi and Motovilov helped get Astana’s offense moving again. But the closing stretch of the half belonged to the home side, with Danil Pevnev making key plays to push the lead to nine by halftime.

MBA-MAI kept up the pressure in the third quarter, while Astana worked hard to slow them down. Galin Smith had a strong stretch with six points, and Andrey Desyatnikov closed the quarter with a highlight dunk. Still, the gap continued to grow.

Astana managed to take the fourth quarter, with Magzhan Sarsengaliyev knocking down a late three, but it wasn’t enough to turn the game around.

MBA-MAI – Astana 75:61 (21:17, 17:12, 19:10, 18:22)

Astana: Galin Smith (12 points), Daniel Utomi (11 points, 6 rebounds), Grigory Motovilov (10 points, 6 assists), Andrey Desyatnikov (9 points, 7 rebounds), Askar Maydekin (8 points).

Gleb Plotnikov, Acting Head Coach, BC Astana:

“The turning point came late in the second quarter—we had a turnover, they scored on the break, and then we had a defensive breakdown that led to a Pevnev three-pointer. At the start of the third, we missed open shots and gave up points in return. After that, it was tough to get back in it. Every time we got close, rebounding made the difference—we just couldn’t win the battle on the glass.”

Astana’s next VTB United League game is on April 2, away against Lokomotiv-Kuban.