On December 22, the MINSK men's team played against Avtodor in Saratov. While one of the leaders, Ryan Boatwright, returned to the opponent's court after recovery, Minsk residents were waiting for force majeure due to the absence of several key players due to a cold. Nevertheless, despite the unexpectedly weakened composition, the Minsk residents had a decent fight. Final score of the meeting – 88:77 (20:24, 24:10, 25:18, 19:25).
Starting fives:
MINSK: Aliaksei Trastsinetskii, Vadzim Stubeda, Uladzislau Mikulskii, Supreme Hannah, Kiryl Sitnik.
Avtodor: Christian Jones, Malik Newman, Ryan Boatwright, Nikita Mikhailovskii, Rade Zagorac.
Game scenario
Our team showed a great start: already in the first minute of the meeting, Kiryl Sitnik loaded a confident “three-point". Despite the subsequent breakthrough of 8 points from Avtodor, MINSK not only managed to even the score on the scoreboard, but also to gain an advantage at the end of the quarter. This was also facilitated by bright throws from behind the arc again performed by Kiryl Sitnik, as well as Daniil Barysevich. The quarter ended with a score of 24:20 in favor of our team.
After a two-minute break, Minsk residents lost a little pace. Perhaps the short bench affected, and in the 2nd minute of the quarter Avtodor were able to seize the lead on the home court (30:27). But MINSK did not give up: Kiryl Sitnik, Daniil Barysevich and Jovan Sljivancanin brought points to the team standings. The opponents went to the big break with a score of 44:34.
At the start of the third quarter, the teams exchanged effective shots: Vadzim Stubeda and Supreme Hannah hit the opponent's ring at MINSK. Vadzim Tratsiak and Aliaksei Trastsinetski designed the exact “three-point” shots, and Vadzim Tratsiak's bright blockshot did not allow Christian Jones to increase the difference in the score between the teams. Unfortunately, the hosts of the venue demonstrated a faster pace of the game, and the opponents left for the final break with a score of 69:52.
Interchange
Jovan Sljivancanin shone in today's meeting at MINSK, who alone at the start of the fourth quarter got another 5 points in the team standings. Rostislav Vergun's wards were not inferior to the Volzhans in their desire to win until the last seconds: Uladzislau Mikulskii and Kiryl Sitnik reduced the gap to “-13” by a scoring run of 4 points. Another breakthrough of 5 points was made by the captain of our team, however, Avtodor managed to maintain the lead and finish the match with a victory with a score of 88:77.
Number
19 – he managed to score as many points in his 5th VTB United League match against Avtodor Jovan Sljivancanin.
The most productive:
MINSK: Jovan Sljivancanin – 19 + 3 REB + 1 pass, Kiryl Sitnik – 14 + 3 REB + 1 AST + 1 STL, Daniil Barysevich – 12 + 1 REB.
Avtodor: Malik Newman – 25 + 3 REB + 1 AST + 2 STL, Rade Zagorac – 16 + 7 REB + 1 AST, Evgeniy Minchenko – 16 + 9 REB + 1 STL.
MINSK head coach Rostislav Vergun: “Unfortunately, we have faced very serious personnel difficulties. Many players did not reach Saratov, and those who arrived were far from their best physical condition. I will not evaluate the opponent's game, but for the fact that my guys played to the limit of their abilities, gave themselves to the game and tried – I am very grateful to them and this is a very good sign. For showing character during such a period, not lowering their heads, looking for their attacks and ways to win. We are waiting for a big game on Sunday, then the Belarusian Cup on December 28-29. All thoughts about this ending of 2022.”
MINSK will host the final match of the outgoing year at home. On December 25 at 15:00 at the Falcon Club Arena, our team will play Astana for the first time in the season. We invite all basketball fans to spend a festive weekend at a bright match with a rich entertaining New Year's program! Tickets are available on the website and at points of sale KVITKI.by . Let's support MINSK!
Photo: VTB United League