Mega defeated CSKA on the road in debut WINLINE Basket Cup game – 81:72 (25:20, 14:22, 20:17, 22:13).
Game progress
The average age of Mega’s players is 20, but that didn’t stop the Serbian team from confidently starting the game against the reigning champion of the VTB League. The guests were led by Asim Dzulovic (14 points on 6 of 8 shooting in the first half) and playmaker Savo Drezgic (5 assists), while Vule Avdalovic’s players gave their all in defense and tried to play as fast as possible. The Moscow team only adjusted to opponent in the second quarter, Antonious Cleveland and Melo Trimble helped the team to regain the lead. After 20 minutes, CSKA’s lead was 3 points.
In the third quarter, Mega continued to show a mature game beyond their years and confirmed ambitions for a sensation by tying the score.
Key moment
The first five minutes of the decisive quarter were dominated by the Serbian team: Urban Kroflic dominated in the paint and on the arc, with Luigi Suigo and Drezgic supporting him from the perimeter. Mega also demonstrated exemplary defense, allowing CSKA to score only 2 points from the free throw line in more than 5 minutes. The 16:2 run was key. The hosts finally woke up and staged a comeback, cutting the deficit to 4 points after Casper Ware three-pointer, but the Serbian team responded with a long-range shot by Dzulovic on the very next possession, which stopped a comeback.
X-factor
CSKA relied on long-range shots, but only made 10 of 44 (22.7%). The 34 misses were fatal.
Facts
The game at CSKA Arena was the first international game in the WINLINE Basket Cup – previously, only Russian clubs had played.
The lead in the game had changed 10 times..
Leaders
CSKA: Antonius Cleveland (14), Anton Astapkovich (13), Livio Jean-Charles (11 + 6 rebounds)
Mega: Luigi Suigo (18 + 5 rebounds), Asim Dzulovic (17 + 6 rebounds), Savo Drezgic (14 + 5 rebounds + 7 assists)
Next game
November 4, Mega (Serbia) vs Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia).