CSKA defeated PARMA in WINLINE Basket Cup group stage game on the road – 88:83 (21:26, 25:20, 19:8, 23:29).
Game progress
A win over PARMA would make CSKA the first participant of the WINLINE Basket Cup Final Four. A win wouldn’t guarantee the Perm team the advance, but it would bring as close as possible. Both teams came out with a serious attitude and equal for the entire game. In the first half, the hosts were better in three-pointers (56.3% vs. 23.5%), with Victor Sanders and Lev Svinin standing out. The Moscow team responded with consistent scoring in the paint (66.7%), with Luka Mitrovic performing well. After 20 minutes, the score was tied – 46:46.
In the third quarter, CSKA significantly increased the intensity of defense and organized a 12:2 run. Before the fourth quarter, the guests had a double-digit lead – 65:54 (only 8 points by PARMA in the quarter).
A short break had a positive effect on PARMA. The guard scored three-pointer and after that made 11 points in just 3 minutes. The Perm team made a comeback and the game went into the clutch.
Key moment
At the end of the game, CSKA’s sharpshooters finally came into senses. Long-range shots by Ivan Ukhov (twice) and Aleksandr Chadov allowed the Moscow team to take the lead in clutch. PARMA fought till the very end, but it all came down to tactical free throws, which CSKA made without any mistake.
X-factor
Ivan Ukhov had his best game in the Cup, scoring 15 points with 5 of 5 three-pointers made (his average in the previous 3 games – 9.0 points) in 17 minutes. CSKA guard also had 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals.
Facts
CSKA secured first place in Group A and a spot in the Final Four.
The Moscow team started the tournament with the home loss to Mega, but then got a 4-game winning streak.
PARMA will battle Mega for the second place to the Final Four. A win by any score will guarantee the Russian club a place in the decisive stage of the tournament.
Leaders
PARMA: Victor Sanders (24 + 8 assists + 5 rebounds), Terrell Carter (22 + 7 rebounds), Lev Svinin (17)
CSKA: Luka Mitrovic (19 + 5 rebounds), Ivan Ukhov (13 + 5 assists), Melo Trimble (11), Antonius Cleveland (11), Aleksandr Chadov (10)
Next game
Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia) vs Mega (Serbia) on February 11.