Disposition
This paradoxically famous quarterfinal pair was formed through pain and mistakes. Loko was often loosing points at the start of the season, but then had a great spring - did not loose a single match in both tournaments in February, and won 11 out of 14 games from February 1 until March 17.
During the same period of time Khimki lost 10 out of 14 games, replaced the head coach and condemned themselves to the "life or death" match in the last round of Top 16, which they lost to Real.
As the result yellow-blues only played three games in April (against Tsmoki, Nymburk and Enisey with well expected results), Loko fought against Barcelona and lost to Zenit in the last round. If it was not for the loss in St Petersburg, red-greens would have taken the third place and started playoff at home with Avtodor, and the played the winner of UNICS - Nizhny Novgorod in semifinals. However, now they will have to play the winner of CSKA - Nymburk pair in semifinal.
Opponent's power
Leaders
Points: Alexey Shved - 16.5. Guard. 27yo, 195cm, 73kg. Russia
Assists: Tyrese Rice - 6.6. Guard. 28yo, 185cm, 86kg. USA
Rebounds: Josh Boone - 9.1. Center. 31yo, 208cm, 108kg. USA
Top three
Points: Alexey Shved (16.5), Tyrese Rice (14.8), Josh Boone (13.3)
Assists: Tyrese Rice (6.6), Alexey Shved (4.8), Petteri Koponen (3.8)
Rebounds: Josh Boone (9.1), James Augustine (5.5), Tuler Honeycutt (5.4)
Khimki. Three most recent games:
Power check
Leaders
Points: Anthony Randolph - 17.4. Center. 26yo, 211cm, 102kg. USA
Assists: Malcolm Delaney - 4.3. Guard. 26yo, 191cm, 86kg. USA
Rebounds: Victor Claver - 6.5. Forward. 27yo, 206cm, 102kg. Spain
Top three
Points: Anthony Randolph (17.4), Malcolm Delaney (12.8), Victor Claver (10.9)
Assists: Malcolm Delaney (4.3), Dontaye Draper (2.6), Ryan Broekhoff (2.5)
Rebounds: Victor Claver (6.5), Ryan Broekhoff (5.3), Chris Songleton (5.1), Anthony Randolph (5.1)
Lokomotiv. Three most recent games:
Quote
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Georgios Bartzokas, Lokomotiv Kuban head coach :
— Khimki has a terrific collection of players. The roster ranks among the elite of European basketball. We need to have the right approach to the upcoming two weeks and not look too far ahead. We've gone game by game since the start of the season and simply prepared for the next contest, which has worked for us. The same approach should help in the postseason. On Sunday, we need to play our best and be ready mentally to compete.
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Previously
Loko and Khimki won a game each in regular season. Loko lost on road in second overtime in the first round, and then won the game with the help of Victor Claver's double-double - 21 points, 10 rebounds, 32 efficiency rating.
Сейчас счет в истории противостояний 13:7 в пользу «Химок».
The team's current history score is 13:7 in Khimki's favour.
Ghosts from the past
Victor Claver spent first half of the season 2014/15 in Khimki.
Khimki forward Maxim Sheleketo played five seasons for Loko (2008-2013).
State secrets
Khimki - Lokomotiv Kuban. Sunday, May 1, at 17:30.
LIVE:
Online: Lokobasket.com
Text: GAME centre on VTB United League website
Opponent's dossier
Founded in: 1997. Home arena: Khimki Basketball Centre of Moscow Region (6 000).
History: Russian Cup winner (2008), VTB United League champion (2011), Eurocup champion (2012, 2015).
Head coach: Dusko Ivanovic.
Website: bckhimki.ru
