Dome-Springs Izhevsk extend dominance over Tambov in Russian Cup
Dome-Springs Izhevsk made it two from two against Tambov in the Russian Cup, winning 86-66 on Wednesday evening. The visitors had already beaten the hosts 107-73 back in April, and this time the margin was even more decisive. Tambov have now lost four of their last five matches, while the visitors are finding their rhythm at just the right moment.
The result was no surprise to those watching closely. We had backed the away side with 54 per cent confidence before kick-off, and the game played out exactly as expected. Tambov looked disjointed from the first whistle, while Dome-Springs Izhevsk moved with purpose and precision.
What struck me watching the match was how Tambov's recent form has soured. They were 90-84 winners against Магнитогорск in April, but since then they've taken a turn for the worse. The 64-83 defeat to Динамо Грозный on Monday night was the final warning sign. Against a side that had beaten them comprehensively before, they offered little resistance.
Dome-Springs Izhevsk on the other hand have been building something. Three wins in their last five games, including that impressive 77-71 victory over ЦСКА Москва 2 on Wednesday. They're not just winning — they're winning convincingly. And there is unrest in the dressing room at the other end, or at least there should be.
The difference in quality was visible throughout. Tambov couldn't get out of their own half, while the visitors were making life awkward with quick transitions. By then the game was effectively over, but they still managed to push the scoreline further. The old head settled them down, and they saw out the match in control.
This result leaves Tambov in a difficult position. They've lost to the same opponents twice now, and the pattern is clear. Dome-Springs Izhevsk will make life awkward for any side that underestimates them. The table goes out of the window in these games, but Tambov have work to do before the knockout stages arrive.
