UNICS rely on shooting prowess to down Zvezda and cruise to fourth straight win / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Srdjan Stevanovic/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Srdjan Stevanovic/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

The road win against Panathinaikos in Athens two weeks ago only whetted UNICS Kazan's (7-5) appetite, as the Russian squad registered another success away from their home court, crushing hosts Crvena Zvezda (4-8) 98-78 (26-16, 21-23, 29-18, 22-21).

Free throws this season

68%9,5Points made:9,5Accuracy:68,2%Place in standings:18Record max:16Record min:4Most made FTs:Mario HezonjaTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

That was the fourth win in a row for Velimir Perasovic's men who had struggled thus far on the road with just one win in five games. However, all went smoothly for the visitors in Belgrade who made 15 of their attempted 32 three-pointers.

John Brown with 18 points (9/12 2-point shots), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and Mario Hezonja with 17 points (0/1 2-point shots, 4/7 3-point shots), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals were accompanied by Isaiah Canaan in the second half. The American shooting guard poured in 17 points, ensuring that UNICS would not allow the hosts to hope.

Austin Hollins scored 18 points (6/6 2-point shots, 2/7 3-point shots), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal. Zvezda suffered their third straight loss, after the ones to Baskonia and Real Madrid in Spain last week.

UNICS showed their intentions from the opening credits, getting a nine-point (21-12) lead after eight minutes. John Brown was the usual impregnable castle on defense, while Mario Hezonja confirmed that he's in great shape scoring six points in as many minutes.

Even when those two had to get some much-needed rest, last year's EuroCup finalists only increased the margin (26-12) with a three-point dagger from Isaiah Canaan.

Zvezda, on the other hand, were struggling both from the perimeter and the free-throw line. If the first quarter ended in -10 for them (16-26), it was mainly because of Marco Spissu and Tonye Jekiri doing it all wrong.

The hosts kept being very indecisive offensively, allowing UNICS to distance themselves even more (33-18). Dejan Radonjic decided to risk some open shots on defense and post-up on offense with Nikola Kalinic.

Crvena Zvezda Belgrade / Schedule

Crvena Zvezda Belgrade UNIKS KazanFri18:00 Zenit Saint Petersburg Crvena Zvezda Belgrade12-0317:00

Branko Lazic hit two three-pointers and, no matter how many lay-ups Nate Wolters missed, Red Star went on a 12-0 run which brought the Serbian side very close (32-35).

Lorenzo Brown, who made his EuroLeague debut with Zvezda in 2019-20 and played for the first time back in front of the home fans since he left, preferred to help out his teammates.

UNICS came fired up from the locker room, cruising to a 10-2 partial score to restore the margin to double digits (44-63).

Kazan's lead reached the 20-point mark (82-62) with seven minutes remaining, with Isaiah Canaan adding some spice with a couple of long-distance three-pointers. Zvezda could do nothing but admit defeat.

Crvena Zvezda: Austin Hollins 18 (6/6 2-POINT SHOTS, 2/7 3-POINT SHOTS), Nate Wolters 13 (5/9 FG, 4 AST), Ognjen Dobric 11 (5/10 FG, 2 REB), Nikola Kalinic 10 (4/7 FG, 3 REB, 4 AST).UNICS Kazan: John Brown 18 (9/12 2-POINT SHOTS, 5 REB, 2 AST, 2 ST), Mario Hezonja 17 (4/7 3-POINT SHOTS, 5 REB, 2 AST, 2 ST), Isaiah Canaan 17 (6/9 FG, 1 AST, 1 ST), Dmitrii Uzinskii 11 (4/4 FG), Jarrell Brantley 9.

Highlights

Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.