CSKA defeated Lokomotiv Kuban in WINLINE Basket Cup group stage game at home – 93:89 (20:25, 25:14, 27:27, 21:23).
Game progress
In the first half, the Moscow team often built offense through drives and pressure in the paint, with Melo Trimble and Samson Ruzhentsev standing out. Jeremiah Martin and Anton Kvitkovskikh led the Krasnodar team. By halftime, the hosts led by 6 points.
The third quarter ended with a tie and was productive – 27:27. The main question of the evening—who would be the winner—was left until the very end.
Key moment
Both teams had chances to win, but CSKA had more. Lokomotiv Kuban took the lead in the final minute. The Moscow team responded with Casper Ware three-pointer and Livio Jean-Charles lay-up(91:89). In the final seconds, Krasnodar team could take the lead and tied the score, but missed both attempts. After that, Ware made 2 free throws, securing the win for CSKA.
X-factor
CSKA aggressive defense. Loko committed 14 turnovers, while the Moscow team had only 8.
Facts
CSKA (5-1) finished the group stage at first place in Group A, while Lokomotiv Kuban (1-5) finished last.
The Moscow team started the WINLINE Basket Cup with the loss to Mega, but then won 5 games in a row.
Today it was announced that the Final Four of the Cup will be on April 10-12 in St. Petersburg. CSKA was the first to qualify for the decisive stage of the tournament.
Leaders
CSKA: Casper Ware (16), Melo Trimble (15), Samson Ruzhentsev (14 + 7 rebounds), Livio Jean-Charles (12 + 5 rebounds), Vladimir Karpenko (10)
Lokomotiv Kuban: Jeremiah Martin (19), Alen Hadzibegovic (15 + 8 rebounds), Anton Kvitkovskikh (13 + 5 rebounds), Patrick Miller (12 + 8 rebounds + 7 assists)
Next game
Uralmash (Russia) vs. Igokea (Bosnia and Herzegovina) on March 17.