Nizhny Edges Khimky 93-92 to Lead VTB League

One of the most important games of Round 6 of the VTB United League regular season was saved for the very end. BC Nizhny Novgorod came up with an amazing 93-92 win at home over BC Khimky Moscow Region. Both Russian clubs came into the contest with identical 4-1 records, but it was the home team that would move on to go 5-1 and share the league leadership with CEZ Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL). The loss sends Khimky to sixth place (4-2) just one game ahead of Lokomotiv Kuban.

Nizhny led the game in the early minutes, but their guests were unfazed and took a two-point advantage after the first quarter 16-18. Alexey Shved went off in the second quarter and Khimky’s lead balooned even further. They amassed a double digit lead at the halftime break, 35-46.

The hosts leaned on Kaspars Berzins in the third frame and he responded by knocking some clutch three-pointers to cull Khimky’s lead down to five points as both teams headed into the fourth and final period. Shved once again led the charge for the visitors, but Nizhny displayed their grit and their determination in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Kaspars knocked down the go-ahead triple to lift his team to victory! An excellent culmination to what was a very exciting game.

Berzins finished with a game-high 26 points for Nizhny, making 4-of-7 shots from downtown including the game winner. Victor Rudd chimed in with 17 points of his own and was a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line.

It was Khimky’s Alexey Shved who truly shined from beyond the arc. He nailed 7-of-9 shots from deep en route to his team-high 25 points. Tyrese Rice chipped in 15 points and seven assists.

Zenit is still undefeated at 4-0 and is currently in solo third place in the league standings. CSKA Moscow and Unics Kazan are both 4-1 and are within striking distance of the league leadership. The season is still young and there will still be some changes in the standings moving forward.