CSKA defeated Zenit in WINLINE Game of the Week at home – 93:88 (17:31, 25:18, 27:21, 24:18).
Game progress
Right from the start, the guests took the lead with aggressive defense and long-range shots. At the end of the first quarter, Zenit’s lead reached 16 points – 31:15. In the second quarter, the Moscow team managed to adjust the game. The hosts’ quality defense stopped the opponents. As for offense, Casper Ware and Antonius Cleveland scored key points. They combined 17 points and CSKA reduced the deficit by more than half before the halftime – 42:49.
Key moment
At the start of the final quarter, the hosts took the lead. The Moscow team skillfully used the tactic of pick and rolls. Jean-Charles hook shot increased CSKA lead to 7 points – 87:80.
Surprisingly, the fans saw only one field-goal in the remaining time. But Georgy Zhbanov’s dunk in the final seconds could not affect the result. In the exchange of free throws at the end, the Moscow team maintained the necessary difference and took the win.
X-factor
The bench factor benefited CSKA. The Moscow team rotation scored 55 of the team’s 93 points. Zenit’s bench scored only 34 points.
Facts
CSKA regained the lead in the standings. Despite the loss, Zenit retained 4th place.
Georgy Zhbanov scored 21 points in this game and set a new career-high.
Leaders
CSKA: Casper Ware (25), Melo Trimble (18), Antonius Cleveland (14), Livio Jean-Charles (13 + 7 rebounds)
Zenit: Georgy Zhbanov (21 + 6 rebounds), Luka Samanic (12 + 6 rebounds), Nenad Dimitrijevic (11 + 7 assists), Levi Randolph (11)
What’s next
CSKA: December 5 on the road against Lokomotiv Kuban
Zenit: December 7 on the road versus Uralmash.
