On May 8, the struggle for victory in the championship of the Republic continued in the Mogilev sports complex “Olympian”. After the triumph in the first match of the series, “Tsmoki-Minsk” didn't slow down the pace away — the match ended with the second victory with the score 64:59 (15:19, 18:14, 12:12, 19:14).
Game progress
With a confident attitude, our team entered the fight in the second match of the final. In four minutes of the game, two “three-point” shots from Yauheni Beliankou flew into the opponent's hoop, which allowed the "dragons" to establish a lead at the start of the match with a score of 8:2. The hosts of the site were able to get ahead of the Minsk residents with a successful scoringr un of 6 points, but the "dragons" didn't plan to slow down. At the last minute of the quarter, the captain of our team determined the leadership of the “Tsmoki” with an accurate throw from behind the arc. But, unfortunately, the Mogilev team decided to arrange a sniper duel, as a result of which they regained the advantage – 19:15.
For three minutes of the second quarter, our team reliably defended the hoop, preventing the wards of Andrei Krivonos from increasing the score. At this time, the most productive player of the “dragons” of the last match, Yauheni Beliankou, realized another “three-point” shot, and Aliaksei Trastsinetski equalized the score with a hit from the free throw line – 19:19. Three points from Andrei Stabrouski brought Rostislav Vergun's wards ahead in the middle of the quarter, but "Borisfen" again responded with a productive attack. On the court, a real battle unfolded between both teams for every point scored. The rivals did not want to let each other go a long distance. Yauheni Beliankou's fourth hit from behind the arc kept the advantage for the team. However, "Borisfen", which became more active after the time-out, equalized the chances by the end of the quarter — 33:33.
At the beginning of the third quarter, Mogilev players were able to make a breakthrough of 6 points, but the "dragons" were not going to give up the victory – Yauheni Beliankou, Darol Hernandez-Zinenko and Uladzislau Blizniuk reduced the gap to 2 points (44:42). A spectacular “three-point" from Uladzislau Blizniuk again equalized the chances of the teams at the end of the quarter – 45:45.
The key point
And again, as in the previous match, the intensity of emotions fell on the last ten minutes of the game. In response to the previous quarter, our guys already made a breakthrough of 6 points. However, by the middle of the quarter, "Borisfen" had reduced the gap to three points (52:55). Two minutes before the end of the match, the minimum difference in the score was unchanged until the next, already the sixth effective “three-point” throw of Yauheni Beliankou for the game. Fighting with dignity until the last second, “Tsmoki-Minsk" won with a score of 64:59.
Hero
Today, the victory of “Tsmoki” was also determined by the incredible support of our fan club, which cheered the players on the guest site throughout the game. ”Tsmoki-Minsk" is thanked for such an invaluable charge of energy, which always inspires!
The most productive:
"Tsmoki-Minsk": Yauheni Beliankou – 20 + 6 REB + 1 AST + 2 STL, Uladzislau Blizniuk – 13 + 5 REB + 3 AST + 1 STL, Andrei Stabrouski – 9 + 3 REB + 3 AST.
“Borisfen": Tywain McKee – 11 + 9 REB + 1 AST + 3 lane, Ilya Sharipov – 9 + 6 REB + 3 AST + 2 STL.
Head coach of the team “Tsmoki-Minsk" Rostislav Vergun:
– A lot of unforced errors and free throws made the game the way it is. I don't want to talk about whether it's our problem, or the opponent played well. This is the final. Make no mistake that everything will be very simple. The game turned out to be good, I am very glad that we once again showed our character. Congratulations to the team, well done.
Team player Uladzislau Blizniuk:
– First of all, I want to congratulate our club and the whole organization on the victory. We have achieved two very important away games with a solid advantage. I am very happy. Today was a very difficult match, I had to turn on all my possible strength and character, but, again, I am glad that we won today. We will prepare for the Minsk meeting.
What's next
The third match of the series will take place at the "dragons"' home ground. On May 13, the battle for the national championship will continue at the Sports Palace. The starting face-off is at 6 PM. Let's support the team together!