Astana got off to a more-than-promising start. Gleb Plotnikov’s squad launched a powerful 14–2 opening run, fuelled by three consecutive three-pointers from Rustam Murzagaliev and another from Grigory Motovilov. Parma was forced into an early timeout to regroup defensively. Towards the end of the first quarter, the visiting team managed to steady themselves—though T.J. Starks scored several difficult mid-range shots to keep them at bay. After ten minutes of play, Astana held a narrow 21:20 lead.
The second quarter saw the tempo drop. At first, it was a back-and-forth exchange, with Starks and Askar Maydekin trading baskets with Garrett Nevels and Cheburkin. But Parma capitalised on a string of defensive lapses to not only level the score but push ahead by more than 10 points. Nevels led the charge with several and-ones, while Stanley Whittaker confidently knocked down his free throws. Despite efforts from Starks and Motovilov in the closing moments, Astana trailed 32:46 at the half.
The third quarter proved the toughest. A scoring drought early in the period gave Parma the chance to go on a 10–0 run. Astana finally responded through mid-range shots from Vadim Shcherbak and Maydekin, with Vadim also converting a three-point play. Still, the deficit kept growing—Parma led 42:68 heading into the final period.
Although the fourth quarter didn’t influence the final outcome, Astana held their ground. Shcherbak, Alexander Orazbekov, and Vladislav Aitkali all made solid contributions. Young Kazakh players Valery Simonov and Magzhan Sarsengaliyev also saw court time.
Final score: Astana – Parma 56:87 (21:20, 11:26, 10:22, 14:19)
Astana: T.J. Starks (10 points + 5 rebounds), Askar Maydekin (9 points), Rustam Murzagaliev (9 points), Vadim Shcherbak (7 points + 5 rebounds).
Acting Head Coach Gleb Plotnikov:
- It was a tough game for us. Congratulations to Parma—they were simply better today. We started well: we moved the ball, found open shots, and hit them. Then we flipped to individual play, stopped moving the ball, and missed the open looks we did get. That frustration affected our defence, and we stopped competing on that end. As I mentioned before the game, the long trip back from Krasnodar was difficult—we landed at 5 am and couldn’t train the way we needed to. But still, that’s no excuse.
Valery Simonov, Astana forward:
- I’m happy to score my first 2 points. I’m a little satisfied with myself, but I really wanted us to win.
Next game: 8 April at 20:00 – Home vs UNICS Kazan. Don’t miss it!
 «Samruk-Kazyna» National Welfare Fund |
 Uniform operator «Tourism Industry and Sports Support Fund» |
