Top scorers: Koscheev (20 + 8 rebounds), Gutsev (17 + 5 assists), Isakov (13 + 3 assists + 6 rebounds), Stepanenkov (12 + 7 rebounds), Gubanov (11).

Gutsev and Isakov from the perimeter, added a good percentage of hits; Kascheev in the paint: three leaders and three different ways of rimming Kirov’s hoop. Khimki racked up points in the first half of the match that ended with a wide lead for the home team.

Now, the third quarter was fairly level, with a difference that oscillated between a 13 and 16-point lead, nonetheless in the last seconds, the visiting team was able to rack up enough points for a handicap: 69-57. Isakov at that moment received his fifth foul, Gutsev did not score any more points (the 17 were all in the first half) while Koscheev continued filling the bank for his team, with an active participation on the part of Gubanov and Stepanenkov.

Around the last quarter, Kirov scored several distance shots, and his runs on the 3-second zone became more successful and almost without obstacle as Khimki’s defense weakened. When all was said and done, their disadvantage was reduced to 5 points down: 79-74 with 4.30 on the clock to game’s end. After one minute Gutsev and Stepanenkov came out to sit with Isakov on the bench for some personal fouls on court. Meanwhile, the boys from Academia gave a successful new offensive from the 3-point line: 83-81.

Things were not going well for Khimki’s offense, though Guvanov attacked with precision from the perimeter. All the same, the opponent at first converted two free throws, and made two offensive rebounds after two fouls. The offensive in response to the home team lasted 24 seconds, but did not end in any shot to the hoop. Nevertheless, the visiting team’s offense was not able to play out, lacking game time.