Antonov, Yakovenko closer to playoffs

Antonov, Yakovenko closer to playoffs Nizhny Novgorod won in Astana and finished VTB United League's regular season.

The game between Astana and Nizhny Novgorod has been called as «game of life». Loser definitely wouldn’t advance to play-offs. Another intrigue was russian team's desire to take revenge - they lost to Astana at home. And Nizhny Novgorod got it by winning 75:63. Russians led for all 40 minutes and never let Astana come close. Semen Antonov  started the game with three-pointer just 20 seconds after beginning. Three minutes later he made another successful long-distance attempt. Semen collected 15 points (tied for 1st place in his team), 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in total. He was the best in Nizhny Novgorod in ranking with 23 and plus-minus with +15.

Artem Yakovenko played good too. In 28 minutes he made 10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist and 1 blocked shot. By the way, Antonov and Yakovenko led Nizhniy Novgorod in Eurochallege's game against Besiktas earlier this week. Antonov got 18 points and 5 reboynds, Yakovenko – 12 points and 9 rebounds.

Nizhny Novgorod finished regular season of VTB United League. In its rookie year russian team won 8 games and lost 8. Currently Nizhny Novgorod is on the 4th place in the group and has a good chance for making playoffs. Now they have to wait for the results of Zalgiris, Krasnye Krylia and VEF.
25.02.2012

Players:  Yakovenko

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