Russian "Khimki" on the road outplayed Kazakhstan's "Astana" with a score of 90:87 (22:15, 24:13, 18:27, 26:32).

The victory in this match, conducted within the framework of the VTB United League, was objectively more necessary for Khimki, who had not yet fully solved the tournament task. But, and Astana, thanks to yesterday's defeat to Avtodor, which secured its 8th place and participation in the playoffs, intended to please the fans in the last match of the regular season, not only with a beautiful game, but with the result.Although, the guests immediately seized the initiative, the wards of Ilias Papaterodorus were not going to surrender. Despite the catastrophic development of events ("+20" for "Khimki" after the penalties of Alexei Shved in the second half), the hosts began to catch up gradually - great on this stretch was Usman Krubally, who scored 9 points.

"Astana" in the beginning of the fourth 10-minute jerk 12: 4 stunned himchan (the croakers were the same Krupulli and Robert Lowry) and came forward - 70:68! Then began the most interesting - at 10 points Alexei Swede the hosts responded with the most powerful pressure on the entire site. And yet in the last attack of "Astana" the ring spit out the ball after Ian Miller's throw to win - "Khimki" takes away from the capital of Kazakhstan the most complicated but very necessary Victoria.

The most productive sportsmen of this match:

"Astana": Usman Crubally (29 + 13 rebounds), Dimitrios Katsvelis (14 + 7 rebounds), Ian Miller (12 + 9 assists), Robert Lowry (10 + 11 assists).

Khimki: Alexei Shved (23 + 7 assists), Jacob Pullen (21), Nobel Bungu-Kolo (13 + 6 rebounds), Robbie Hummel (10), Earl Rowland (10).

Head coach of BC "Astana" Ilias Papateodoro:

- In the beginning we did not play as planned. Thanks to the defeat of "Avtodor", we got into the playoffs, and, probably, mentally we were not properly ready for the game."Khimki" - one of the strongest teams in the League. And, of course, the guests in the first half of the game took advantage of our relaxation. But, I think that after a long break we played like a real team with the right approach to the matter and in the end of the match we had a great chance to win.

Head coach of BC "Khimki" Dusko Ivanovich:

- We started well today, but then the game got frustrated. On the contrary, "Astana" started badly, but in the second half it added and began to act more aggressively. We were very lucky in the end of this match. Of course, in the second half we stopped playing in defense, missed many points, sometimes we just watched as the opponent scored. Of course, in the playoff games, we need to completely change our approach to business and our psychology.

This regular season VTB United League for "Astana" came to an end, following which the capital's club guaranteed to secure a place in the playoffs. The final matches of the regular season will be held on April 23 this year.

The next matches "Astana" will also be held on its parquet floor. On April 21 and 23, 2017 the capital team will host the Final of the 4th National League of Kazakhstan. As part of the semi-finals Astana residents will meet with the winner of the Premier League "A" - the team of the Kostanay basketball club "Tobol".

pbcastana.kz