«Astana Academy» kicked off their National League season with two home games on October 18th and 19th against «Aktobe.» The home team faced defeat in both matches, but the games were intense and full of moments, making them interesting for spectators. Both games ended with similar scores, 74:83 and 72:83, in favor of the visiting team.
In the first game, the outcome was decided in the fourth quarter, which our team lost 13:33, after previously losing in the first ten minutes (19:23) and winning in the second (21:8) and the third (21:19). Standout performers for «Astana Academy» include Igor Kanygin (15 points, 11 rebounds), Amirali Suleimenov (18 points, 3 rebounds), and Valery Simonov (7 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal).
As for the second game, the best players for «Astana Academy» were Valery Likhodey (18 points, 5 rebounds), Igor Kanygin, who achieved another double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds), and Valery Simonov (14 points, 5 rebounds).
Speaking of the intensity of the contest, it's worth noting that the lead changed a remarkable 19 times during the two games.
Summing up the home series, Mikhail Lonshakov congratulated «Aktobe» on their two victories: «Their strong organization in both defense and offense, along with the presence of talented foreign players, means that this team has the potential to excel and secure a favorable position in the playoffs.»
Next week, «Astana Academy» will face another home series against «Tobol» from Kostanay. The matches will take place on October 26th and 27th at the Saryarka Velodrome, and tickets will be available for purchase soon.
