Hezonja's 27 points help UNICS capture third place in the VTB SuperCup / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Zuma Press – Scanpix Credit Zuma Press – Scanpix

UNICS Kazan finished a pre-season stage with a convincing victory over Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar 84-70 (21-22, 20-22, 21-16, 22-10), securing third place in the VTB United League SuperCup.

Mario Hezonja

Team:UNIKS KazanPosition:SFAge:26Height:202 cmWeight:91 kgBirth place:Dubrovnik, CroatiaProfileNewsStatistics

Both teams started out strong, but neither gained a tangible advantage. However, Lokomotiv finished the quarter better and gained a minimal lead (22-21). McCollum shone brightly in the first 10 minutes, scoring 8 points. Jekiri and Komolov led the way for UNICS.

The game continued being tight throughout the second period. Loko managed to extend their advantage to 3 points before halftime (44-41), as Motley guided the squad with 8 points in the quarter.

At the start of the third period, McCollum and Hezonja exchanged successful attacks. Then UNICS made a 9-0 spurt (58-53) thanks to Canaan, Spissu, Brown, and Hezonja. The EuroLeague club gained a two-point lead after 30 minutes of playing time (62-60). Mario Hezonja put on a show in the third, scoring 10 points out of the team's 21.

The last quarter belonged to UNICS. They came out strong and organized a big run. Lokomotiv could not find the answers for Perasovic men's push, as Loko were left with 10 points in the fourth period.

Both clubs soon will meet again in the VTB United League, as the season starts on September 23 (in Krasnodar).

UNICS: Mario Hezonja 27 (6 REB, 6 STL), Marco Spissu 12, Tonye Jekiri 10 (5 REB), Artem Komolov 9, John Brown 8.

Lokomotiv: Errick McCollum 19 (9 AST), Stanton Kidd 14 (5 REB), Johnathan Motley 8, Vladislav Emchenko 7.

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