We lose to Parma, but remain in second place in the standings

Main team news

13.01.2024

Following the victories over CSKA and Lokomotiv Kuban and the overtime defeat by Zenit, Parma beat the reigning VTB United League champion UNICS in Kazan in a dramatic end in an absolutely equal match with 12 changes of leader - 72:70. The last attack 12 seconds before the final siren remained with our team, but the white and green failed to bring it to the throw.

The best in the home team was Neno DIMITRIJEVIC, who added 7 assists to 21 points. Marcos KNIGHT and Erick GREEN brought the team 28 points and 10 rebounds for two.

Despite the defeat, Velimir PERASOVIC's team retained second place in the VTB United League table with a 16-6 balance. UNICS will also play its next match at home on January 20 against Zenit St. Petersburg.

VTB United League. Regular season. The 22nd round.
UNICS (Kazan) – Parma (Perm Region) – 70:72(17:21, 13:11, 19:22, 21:18).
UNICS: Dimitrijevic (21 + 7 assists + 3 rebounds), Knight (15 + 5 rebounds + 4 steals), Green (13 + 5 rebounds), Kulagin (7), Reynolds (6).
Parma: Reese (28 + 5 assists), Johnson (13 + 4 assists + 3 rebounds), Bryce (8 + 4 rebounds), Platunov (8 + 3 assists).

POST-MATCH COMMENTS:

Velimir PERASOVIC, BC UNICS head coach:

«First of all, congratulations to Parma. They played better today and deserved to win. We need to analyze what the team did wrong. We played a bad match and tried to catch them throughout the game. We did not let Parma go far ahead, but at the same time we could not create a handicap. They were constantly switching in defense, and we didn't have the patience to attack their defense, maybe except for the last quarter. This was the key to our defeat.

We didn't manage to restrain Isaiah Reese. But I think the reason for the loss is not the defense, but our offense. We were in a hurry, we made a lot of unprepared and unconfident throws. We lost because of our bad offense and Parma's good defense».

Evgeny PASHUTIN, BC Parma head coach:

«First of all, I want to congratulate our team. The guys played with hearts, showed character and were united. We understand that UNICS is a champion and a very serious club with a strong squad in all positions: both on the perimeter and under the boards. We also knew that Reynolds had missed the previous match. Today he came out against us, we were preparing for him. Jalen dominates in the post in the VTB league. In addition, UNICS has strong guards – last season's MVP Dimitrijevic, Knight, Green and Kulagin. Of course, it wasn't easy.

Our task was to play as close as possible from the throw, force the opponents to play one-on-one and make it difficult for them to throw. As soon as we allowed UNICS to throw freely, we immediately got a hail of hits in our basket. But in general, the guys coped. I want to congratulate all the fans and say that it is extremely important for us to get into the top 6 at the end of the first stage. I understand that UNICS is fighting for the first or second place, but we have our own goal. From match to match, we try to do everything possible to be in the top six. Well done guys! You showed character, congratulations!»