Lokomotiv wins VTB League opener

Lokomotiv KubanRussian team Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar and Czech team CEZ Nymburk had the honour of opening the 2014/2015 VTB League regular season tonight. The two teams clashed in Nymburk’s Sportovni Hala Arena but it was Lokomotiv who came away with the win, picking up a 67-82 victory to top the VTB standings at this meaningless point of the season in terms of position.

The rest of the clubs competing the completion this season will not enter the fray until October 6th, 8th, and 9th when Round 1 of the regular season is completed. There’s plenty to look forward to this season with an expanded 30 game calendar offering even more hoops excitement.

CEZ Nymburk vs. Lokomotiv Kuban, 67-82
Czech powerhouse Nymburk is still looking to make its mark on this competition after years of dominance domestically. The club will be happy to make the play-offs for the first time and title chasing Lokomotiv provided a good test as the curtain raiser. The Russians though proved too strong in most areas, including putting together plenty of unselfish attacking plays with the team offering 22 assists on the night.

Lokomotiv started the game well and stayed ahead through the opening exchanges, but Nymburk just about managed to keep pace. After 10 minutes the score board read 16-21 in favour of the Krasnodar club. The visitors were controlling the half court and were quick in transitional plays, picking off points from fast breakaways. The Russians opened a double digit lead during the second quarter and held it until halftime, the scoreboard reading 32-42.

The away team had control of the hardwood during the first half and in the third they delivered the knockout blow. Richard Hendrix was the architect for Lokomotiv Kuban, sinking 7 consecutive points in the paint while putting his body in the mix in the defensive key. After 30 minutes of play Nymburk looked out of the contest, trailing 45-64. The hosts managed to snatch the fourth quarter 22-18, but Lokomotiv had eased off and cruised down the stretch.

Richard Hendrix set the rhythm for Lokomotiv with 16 points, while Malcolm Delaney also notched 16, and Krunoslav Simon followed with 13.

A disappointing night for Nymburk ended with Radoslav Rancik on 13 points and Derek Raivio on 10.

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