CSKA defeated UNICS in WINLINE Basket Cup final – 73:62 (22:17, 16:6, 16:17, 19:22).
Game progress
Top two teams of VTB United League regular season faced off in the WINLINE Basket Cup final.
CSKA started nervously and scored just 3 points in the first 5 minutes. Andreas Pistoliis turned the tide by bringing in his leader Melo Trimble, who revitalized the offense. Another successful move was bringing in Semen Antonov. The forward began making three-pointers. The Moscow team pulled ahead just before the end of the first quarter and completely locked UNICS in the second quarter. The Kazan team made just 1 of 19 long-range shots. UNICS scored 6 points in the second quarter and trailed by halftime – 23:38.
The third quarter was controlled by CSKA. The Kazan team still couldn’t score three-pointers consistently, and the Moscow team played with maximum intensity led by 14 points going to fourth quarter.
Key moment
There was no comeback. With a minute left, UNICS cut deficit to 8 points, but Antonius Cleveland lay-up put an end to the game. CSKA is the winner of the WINLINE Basket Cup!
X-Factor
5 of 33 three-pointers made (15.2%) prevented UNICS from contending for the win.
Facts
CSKA became the winner of the first-ever WINLINE Basket Cup.
The Moscow team lost to Mega in the tournament’s opening game, but then went on to win 7 straight games on the way to the trophy.
Leaders
CSKA: Melo Trimble (16), Antonius Cleveland (12)
UNICS: Jalen Reynolds (14 + 5 rebounds), Alexey Shved (11), Dmitry Kulagin (12 + 7 assists).