BC Astana downs Avtodor in VTB League

The VTB United League is starting to take shape as the competition enters its sixth round of games, with BC Astana claiming a win. One game tipped off Week 6 on Saturday as Astana and Avtodor clashed in Kazakhstan, with the home team narrowly emerging victorious.

BK Astana vs. Avtodor Saratov, 86-85
A tight and edgy VTB United League encounter saw Astana see off Russian club Avtodor by a single basket at home, leaving it to the last 20 seconds of the game to seal the win.

Avtodor made the most of the early exchanges as the teams clashed head to head through a high scoring opening term. At the 10 minute rest the visitors had opened a slender 23-26 lead. Astana managed to eke out a winning frame in the second period, but only edging it by a single point (22-21) to make it 45-47 during the long break. In the third quarter the hosts used their momentum to put together an excellent 25-16 run through the ten minutes. Through thirty minutes the Kazakh club led the way 70-63. Avtodor made a real game of it down the stretch and held a one point lead with seconds remaining. However, Jerry Johnson went 100% from the charity strip to seize the winning points as the away team missed at the death.

J’Covan Brown led the winning effort with 21 points, while game winner Jerry Johnson secured 17 points and 12 assists for a double-double, and Rasid Mahalbasic secured 18 points.

Jeremy Chappel topped Avtodor with 19 points.