CSKA defeated Lokomotiv Kuban in WINLINE Basket Cup group stage game on the road – 89:81 (13:19, 30:16, 25:28, 21:18).
Game progress
Lokomotiv Kuban came into the game after 2 losses (0-2), while CSKA was at 3rd place in Group A with a neutral balance in the standings (1-1). The Krasnodar team picked up the pace at the end of the first quarter with a series of shots by Vince Hunter (13 points, 6 of 6 FGM in the first half). At the start of the second quarter, Kassius Robertson joined in (the hosts bench players scored 25 points in the first 20 minutes, compared to 11 by the starters). Loko took a double-digit lead (33:21), but lost it very quick. In the middle of the second quarter, Melo Trimble gave the Moscow team the right momentum. The guests caught fire in defense and started making three-pointers, which resulted in a 16:0 run. As a result, CSKA had an 8-point lead by halftime.
The exciting third quarter started with CSKA’s run, which pulled the guests ahead by 16 points. But in the end, Loko caught up (28:25). The Krasnodar team responded to several bright moments involving Livio Jean-Charles with the energy of Vsevolod Ischenko and Hunter, who brought the team back into the game.
Key moment
In the fourth quarter, CSKA slowed down the pace, trying to hold the score, but the guests were unable to avoid the clutch. Patrick Miller and Ischenko brought Loko very close – 78:80. The Moscow team was able to remove the pressure. Casper Ware returned from the bench after avoiding serious injury after unfortunate fall and responded with a crucial three-pointer. This was followed by long offensive possession by the hosts, where Loko made 3 offensive rebounds and tried to score, but missed all. On the fourth attempt, CSKA finally got the ball, followed by a tactical foul and free throws by Livio Jean-Charles put and end to the game.
X-factor
Livio Jean-Charles is averaging 11.6 points per game in the VTB League this season (6.5 points in the first 2 Cup games), scored 21 points and 9 rebounds on 8 of 11 field-goals made today. It was the center’s best game of the 25/26 season.
Facts
CSKA got 3rd win of the season against Lokomotiv Kuban (and 2nd in December). Previously, the Moscow team beat the Krasnodar team in VTB League.
The Moscow team gets positive record for the first time in Cup (2-1) and tops the Group A.
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Vince Hunter (21 + 11 rebounds), Mike Moore (13), Kassius Robertson (12 + 5 assists), Vsevolod Ischenko (12 + 5 rebounds)
CSKA: Melo Trimble (27 + 8 assists), Livio Jean-Charles (21 + 9 rebounds), Casper Ware (13), Samson Ruzhentsev (10)
Next game
Mega (Serbia) vs CSKA (Russia) on January 9.