The MINSK men's team met with Pari Nizhny Novgorod on December 5 at the Falcon Club Arena as part of the VTB United League championship. Our team came to the court with a positive attitude – captain Aliaksei Trastsinetski returned after being unwell, Serbian defender Jovan Sljlivancanin made his debut in today's meeting. However, the meeting ended with the victory of “Pari Nizhny Novgorod” with the score 57:68 (16:7, 12:10, 27:15, 13:25).
Starting fives
MINSK: Daniil Kasko, Benjamin-Pavel Dodoo, Vadzim Stubeda, Supreme Shakur Hannah, Uladzislau Blizniuk.
"Pari Nizhny Novgorod": Maksim Salash, Dragan Apic, Dmitrii Khvostov, Ivan Strebkov, Evgenii Baburin.
Game scenario
Nizhny Novgorod players got the first four points in their team's piggy bank, and Supreme Shakur Hannah reduced the difference in the score with an accurate hit. With a beautiful “three-point” Darol Hernandez Zinenko tried not to let his opponent go into a big gap at the start of the game. Unfortunately, the guests of the venue managed to take the right pace and demonstrate a greater number of rebounds, thereby consolidating their leadership at the start of the first quarter. Meanwhile, the Minsk residents scored in the first ten minutes of the game, newcomer Jovan Sljivancanin, who scored 2 points in the team standings in the last seconds of the quarter. On the first break, the teams left with a score of 7:16.
The second quarter began with two accurate hits by Darol Hernandez Zinenko from the penalty line. However, Zoran Lukic's team continued to demonstrate confident defense, moving beyond the second dozen points on the scoreboard. Driving to the hoop, Vadzim Stubeda made a throw from an average distance in the third minute of the quarter (11:22). Following the triumphant scoring run, the fans were pleased with the newcomer – the fourth number singlehandedly made a bright “three-point”, got 1 point from a free throw line and 2 more points in a fast break (17:25). Unfortunately, the Nizhny Novgorod residents did not give opportunities for Minsk residents to go on a big break with a margin of less than 10 points. The quarter ended with a score of 17:28.
Vadzim Stubeda interrupted a series of losses at the start of the second quarter in Rostislav Vergun's team, followed by Uladzislau Blizniuk (21:31) who got 2 more points in the team standings. After the Nizhny Novgorod team went back to a confident advantage on the scoreboard in a quick breakaway, the head coach of MINSK took a timeout (21:35). The captain's “three-point” performed by Aliaksei Trastsinetskii and then another one from Vlad Blizniuk lifted the mood of the fans. The star of tonight in our team was definitely Jovan Sljivancanin, who single-handedly scored another 5 points in just over 20 seconds of the game. Unfortunately, this did not help our team to keep the pressure of the opponent, the quarter ended with a score of 32:55.
Interchange
Despite a breakthrough of 4 points at the start of the final quarter, the opponent managed to dictate his pace of play, which is why Rostislav Vergun took another timeout. The conversation with the coach went to the benefit of the team, and Supreme Hannah brought MINSK 2 more points, and then scored a three-pointer. Our players managed to get a few more points due to free throws. Minsk residents fought every second of the game, but Pari NN turned out to be stronger in today's meeting. The match ended with a score of 57:68.
Figure
18 – Jovan Sljivancanin managed to score so many points in his debut match of the VTB United League, loudly declaring himself.
Head coach of MINSK Rostislav Vergun:
— In my opinion, Pari Nizhny Novgorod is one of the best defending teams of the VTB United League. This is a team playing super aggressive modern basketball. I have said more than once that this is a good indicator — to see how much skill level allows you to compete, find yourself attacks, effectively complete them under such pressure. Of course, all our leaders met serious resistance and, unfortunately, I have to admit that we have become much less effective, could not catch the rhythm. Let's put it this way: the final score does not quite reflect the real state of affairs on the site. The season goes on, new players appear, healthy competition. I want this opportunity and the season for young guys to play a key role in the future and they will get the necessary experience and understanding of what they need to strive for and what they need to train in order to play more serious roles at this level. "Pari Nizhny Novgorod" congratulations on the victory, we take the ground for reflection and move on.
The most productive:
MINSK: Jovan Sljivancanin – 18 + 3 REB + 1 AST + 4 STL, Supreme Hannah – 13 + 4 REB + 6 AST + 1 STL, Uladzislau Blizniuk – 10 + 1 REB + 4 AST.
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: Ivan Strebkov – 19 + 4 REB + 6 AST + 1 STL, Alexandr Gankevich – 10 + 1 REB + 2 AST + 1 STL.
Already this week, Rostislav Vergun's wards will once again hold a home match. On Friday, December 9, at the Minsk Arena, our team will play against the leader of the tournament - CSKA Moscow. Tickets can be purchased on the KVITKI.by website and at points of sale, the match starts at 8:00 PM. Let's support the team!