Chelyabinsk saw off Magnitogorsk 93-79 in the Russian Superleague on Sunday, a result that keeps them firmly in second place while Magnitogorsk remain rooted in eleventh. The visitors controlled the tempo from the opening tip and had the deeper squad to see the game out when the hosts tried to respond. By then the gap was already too wide to close.
Chelyabinsk built their advantage through efficient offence and disciplined defence, not that Magnitogorsk offered much resistance in transition. The home side let the game flow at times, which only gave the visitors more room to work, and when they tried to tighten up the wheels came off a little too late. The scoreline reflected a comfortable evening for the away team.
We had called for a Chelyabinsk victory at 55 per cent confidence, and the result vindicated that assessment. They were the better side on paper and showed it, particularly in the second half where Magnitogorsk's energy had faded. The old head in their coaching staff settled them down when the hosts threatened to make life awkward.
Chelyabinsk sit second with 18 wins from 26 matches, eight defeats keeping them clear of the pack below. Magnitogorsk have won ten and lost sixteen, a gap that shows exactly where this season has gone for them. The table goes out of the window in these games sometimes, but not today.
The visitors' recent form against Khimki Moscow Region has been mixed, but they found consistency here. Magnitogorsk's last win came against Barnaul in April, and the run since has been difficult. This result means Chelyabinsk close in on a better position, while Magnitogorsk's problems are touch and go for the remainder of the campaign.