In the decisive encounter, Loko from Krasnodar failed to secure the bronze medal, losing in a pair of overtime periods.
June 2nd in Krasnodar, a nail-biting game between Lokomotiv-Kuban and UNICS for the bronze VTB United League medals
In the Basket-Hall of Krasnodar, the thrilling contest for the bronze medals of the VTB United League took place on June 2nd, with Lokomotiv-Kuban hosting UNICS. Despite a valiant effort, the hometown team fell to their rivals with a score of 96:104 and lost the series 1:3.
The closing moments of this dramatic match were nail-biting. With just 14 seconds remaining in regular time, Lokomotiv-Kuban trailed by four points, making it seem as if they were destined for defeat. Yet, Marcus Kin, one of UNICS' top-performing players, managed to score only one out of two free throws. Antonius Cleveland, Lokomotiv-Kuban's guard, quickly grabbed the rebound and heaved the ball into UNICS' basket, crossing the centerline as he released it.
With 74 points apiece and only eight seconds remaining, the scenario repeated itself, with Kin once again only scoring one free throw. Cleveland raced to pick up the rebound and, with the buzzer sounding, outsmarted the opposition with a long-range shot, forcing the game into overtime as the scores were leveled at 76:76.
For a short while, Lokomotiv-Kuban inched ahead by four points in overtime, but Kin rallied and sank two consecutive three-pointers, leaving Lokomotiv-Kuban struggling to keep up. With the score at 90:90, the second overtime began. Lokomotiv-Kuban held their own for a while, but after Kin scored another seven unanswered points, it was all over.
UNICS clinched the bronze medals of the VTB United League for the fifth time in their history, while Lokomotiv-Kuban once again mirrored their previous season's result with a 3:4 loss in the semi-final series and a 1:3 loss in the series for third place.
During a press conference, Andrei Vedischev, the main coach and president of PBC Lokomotiv-Kuban, announced "significant changes in the lineup" for the following season. It has been confirmed that Patrick Miller, who consistently led the team with both points and assists, extended his contract for two more seasons. The team recently acquired the rights to Royce Hamm, one of the best rebounders in the VTB United League, from Perm's Parma.
Basketball VTB United League Krasnodar PBC "Lokomotiv-Kuban" Entertainment Sports
It's worth noting that FC "Krasnodar," a football club, and the VTB United League are separate entities. Although there isn't detailed financial information specifically regarding FC Krasnodar's earnings from the VTB United League season, it's recommended to check official sources or recent news updates for the most accurate and up-to-date information on both teams and leagues.
In the subsequent season, PBC "Lokomotiv-Kuban" from Krasnodar is planning significant changes in their lineup to improve their performance in the basketball VTB United League. Interestingly, the city of Krasnodar is known for both football (FC Krasnodar) and basketball (PBC "Lokomotiv-Kuban") teams, subject to separate league competitions.
