First Match in 2024: «Astana» Loses to «Loko» in Krasnodar
«Astana» played against «Lokomotiv-Kuban» in Krasnodar in their first match of 2024. Another game in the VTB United League turned out to be intense. The two teams were neck and neck in the first half, with the hosts winning the first quarter by a two-point margin and the second quarter going in favor of «Astana,» leading 45-43 in our team's favor by the start of halftime. The defining moment came in the third quarter when Alexander Sekulich's team managed to build a lead of 14 points over the Kazakhstani club. In the final quarter, «Astana» narrowed the gap but couldn't fully recover, and the match ended with a score of 93-83.
Notable performances for «Astana» included Carvel Anderson (19 points), Royce Hamm (18 points, 9 rebounds), Devin Davis (16 points, 11 rebounds), and Markell Johnson (11 points, 9 assists).
«We knew the game would be tough firstly because the holidays disrupt the rhythm a bit. But we couldn't deny the team these days off — there was a lot of accumulated fatigue, especially after the trip to Irkutsk for the Cup match. Secondly, an excellent team with quality players visited us. In the first half, «Astana» was scoring very well. However, the shot selection by their top sniper Karvel Anderson was unacceptable. We discussed this with the team during the halftime break, and from then on, we played much closer to our initial game plan. In the third quarter, our defense improved significantly, giving us confidence in offense. We managed to stop the opponent, fought well for the ball, and ultimately tilted the scales in our favor,» said «Loko» coach Alexander Sekulich after the game.
The next match for «Astana» is scheduled for January 10th at home, where they will host «PARMA.» Tickets are available on Ticketon and «Davai Shodim!».
