We don't need it already

In Week 17 of the regular season of VTB United league championships, Spartak slipped by Turow (Poland) at home, 76-74. In an entertaining up-and-down game, the winner was determined in the final seconds. Spartak came out on top and retain hope of finishing first in the group.

Photos

Intro
Despite poor play in recent games, the Russian club still had hope of taking first place in Group A at the end of the regular season. Jurij Zdovc’s men needed to overcome Turow (Poland), which looked for a win to ensure they didn’t finish in tenth and risk relegation from the league.

The first few minutes were hotly contested. Spartak did not look like the favorites in the game. The scrappy Polish players kept close to the home team thanks to great play underneath. Lukasz Wichniarz’s 3-pointer at the end of the first quarter put Turow on top, 18-15.

The visitors’ three-point shooters deserve credit in the second quarter. Spartak’s defense couldn’t shut down Piotr Stelmach and Russell Robinson, who each converted two long-range attempts. The Polish champions retained a slight lead at halftime, 39-37.

After the break, the Red-Whites found their own ammunition. Three consecutive field goals from Joshua Carter, along with aggressive defense, meant 12 unanswered points for the home team to start the third quarter. Turow began catching up midway through the period, but they couldn’t make a big dent. Spartak led 61-52 through three quarters of play.

Turning Point
Russell Robinson, who led the visitors’ offense, made several important shots and helped reduce the lead to one possession. As Turow drew closer, they grew more optimistic about a win and clamped down even more on defense. That defense helped them pull within one possession, 72-69, with a minute and a half to play. That was all the visitors could muster, however. Spartak did not lose the free throw battle and closed out victory, 76-74. They continue the hunt for a top spot.

Star of the Game
Zack Wright. The American guard once again earned praise for his performance. Beginning the game on the bench, he scored 18 points on 100% field-goal percentage and helped his team secure a very important victory.

Stat of the Game
7 – number of lead changes, number of ties, number of home wins for Spartak this season.

Top Performers
Spartak: Zack Wright – 18 points; Loukas Mavrokefalidis – 16 points, six rebounds; Nikita Kurbanov – 10 points, six rebounds, five assists; Vladimir Dragicevic – 10 points, five rebounds; Joshua Carter – 10 points, five rebounds.

Turow: Russell Robinson – 21 points, five assists; Piotr Stelmach – 10 points, five rebounds; Ivan Zigeranovic – 10 points; Darnell Jackson – eight points, five rebounds.