SARATOV (Interstat) — Avtodor Saratov defeated visiting Samara 77-69 on Saturday in a VTB United League game at Sports Palace Zvezdnyy. Avtodor Saratov improved to 1-0 this season, while Samara fell to 0-1. The hosts led after the first quarter and built a 51-26 halftime advantage. The hosts scored 24 points in the opening quarter and 27 in the second, while Samara managed 17 and nine. Avtodor Saratov added 19 points in the third quarter, and Samara responded with 24. Avtodor Saratov led 70-50 after three quarters before Samara scored 19 in the fourth and Avtodor Saratov added seven. Samara scored 17 in the first quarter, nine in the second quarter, 24 in the third quarter, and 19 in the fourth quarter. Avtodor Saratov posted 24 in the first quarter, 27 in the second quarter, 19 in the third quarter, and seven in the fourth quarter. Samara will next host Dynamo Vladivostok, followed by UNICS Kazan and Uralmash. Avtodor Saratov will next host Uralmash, then visit Enisey Krasnoyarsk and Zenit Petersburg.