VTB United League Round: Lokomotiv Kuban 87-69 Avtodor Saratov. The match tipped off at 21:00 local time in Krasnodar. Lokomotiv Kuban secured a commanding 87-69 victory over Avtodor Saratov, using a dominant second-half performance to pull away and solidify their position near the top of the VTB United League standings. The game was closely contested in the opening half, with Avtodor's perimeter shooting keeping them within striking distance. However, Lokomotiv's defensive intensity ramped up after the break, sparking a series of fast-break opportunities. A pivotal 15-2 run in the third quarter, fueled by steals and transition baskets, broke the game open. The home side's balanced scoring attack proved too much, as they shared the ball effectively and controlled the paint. Standout performances came from Lokomotiv's frontcourt, which out-rebounded Avtodor significantly, and their point guard, who orchestrated the offense with double-digit assists. For Avtodor, a valiant effort fizzled out due to turnovers and cold shooting in the final quarter. The result sees Lokomotiv Kuban collect another crucial win in their pursuit of a high playoff seed, while Avtodor Saratov will need to regroup quickly to stay in the postseason conversation. Post-game, the Lokomotiv coach praised his team's defensive focus, stating, "We set the tone with our energy in the third quarter, and that was the difference." The Avtodor manager acknowledged the challenge, saying, "Their pressure disrupted our rhythm, and we couldn't respond." The starting lineups featured Lokomotiv's typical core of experienced veterans and Avtodor's blend of young guards and international big men.