Belarusian Championship: Grodno Grinds Out Impressive 68-54 Win Over BC MINSK

In a pivotal Belarusian Basketball Championship encounter, Grodno (now known as Grodno-93) defeated the powerhouse BC MINSK by a score of 68–54 on May 22, 2026. The victory solidified Grodno’s position near the top of the standings and dealt a blow to MINSK’s title aspirations.

Match Summary

From the opening tip, Grodno imposed their defensive will. They held MINSK to just 18 points in the first half, building a 14-point lead by halftime. MINSK rallied in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 8, but Grodno answered with a 12-2 run to close the period. Strong free-throw shooting (18-of-22, 81.8%) and clutch rebounding sealed the win.

Key Performances

• Grodno: Forward Andrei Stsepanets led all scorers with 22 points (8-of-12 FG) and grabbed 9 rebounds. Guard Dmitry Kuzmin added 16 points and 7 assists.
• BC MINSK: Import guard Johnny Hamilton struggled, shooting 4-of-14 for 11 points. Center Vladimir Veremeenko contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort.

Tactical Analysis

Grodno’s zone defense confused MINSK’s offense, forcing 15 turnovers. The home team also dominated the offensive glass, grabbing 13 second-chance points. MINSK’s usual three-point efficiency (just 28% on the night) was neutralized. Grodno’s ability to switch screens and contest shots at the rim was the difference.

Standings Impact

With this win, Grodno improved to 12–4, moving into a tie for second place with BC Tsmoki-Minsk. BC MINSK, now 13–3, still holds a one-game lead at the top of the table, but the loss tightens the race. The two teams meet again in Minsk on May 29, which could decide regular-season positioning.

Looking Ahead

Grodno will face the struggling Brest Bears next, while BC MINSK faces a tough road test against Grodno-2. The Belarusian Championship playoffs are still weeks away, but this result will give Grodno confidence that they can compete with the league’s best.