Unics Kazan takes victory in Russian Cup

Unics Kazan put in a fantastic performance to win the Russian Cup against Lokomotiv Kuban by a score of 76-93 on the night. It has been an exceptional two game series for Unics as the Kazan club held a 21 point lead heading into Game 2, although Lokomotiv were favourites for this game as the series headed to Krasnodar.

However, Unics Kazan travelled to Southeast Russia and delivered a sterling away performance to sweep to victory to lift the clubs third Russian Cup. Lokomotiv’s season has been characterised by a never say die attitude, but the Krasnodar club was second best in this finals series, with the VTB Unites Semis series against CSKA perhaps taking focus from the players.

Lokomotiv offered little to stop Unics as the Kazan dominated from the early stages to take a convincing 18-27 lead after the first quarter. With the aggregate difference already at 30 points the tie was lost for Kuban, but the hosts did claw their way back to within just four points by halftime (35-379). In the third quarter Unics Kazan took total control and poured in 32 points while restricting Lokomotiv to 21, putting the scoreboard at 55-71 after the third stanza. In the final quarter the teams traded and the visitors claimed a comfortable win to lift the trophy and celebrate cup success.

As has been the case all season, Eurocup Player of the Season Andrew Goudelock paced Unics. The American grabbed a massive 36 points and showed how sorely he will be missed if he does pursue his dream in the NBA this summer. Ian Vougioukas helped to keep the score ticking for the winners with 13 points of his own.

Derrick Brown kept Lokomotiv in touch with an impressive game that saw him score 25 points for the losing effort.