CSKA defeated Zenit in WINLINE Game of the Week at home – 93:90 (34:26, 26:24, 15:20, 18:20).
Game progress
The clash between fierce rivals started off with a bang. The teams scored 60 points in the first quarter. The Moscow team managed a 13:0 run at the end of the first quarter and the start of the second with a double-digit lead.
This stretch temporarily threw Zenit off balance and left trailing by 18 points. The main player in the first half was Melo Trimble with 16 points and 3 of 4 three-pointers.
After the halftime, the pace of the game slowed down. This benefited Zenit, who began to take advantage in the paint (34-24). The team made 17 offensive rebounds in 3 quarters, compensating for lack of shooting efficiency.
Key moment
At the start of the final quarter, CSKA managed to regain a double-digit lead, but Zenit did not give up. In the last minute, the St. Petersburg team managed to get within one possession, but after free throws, the hosts secured a 3-point win.
X-factor
CSKA’s 13-0 run, which began at the end of the first quarter, ultimately was the key. The St. Petersburg team adapted and won the second half, but failed to catch up.
Facts
Andrey Vorontsevich played his 450th game in the VTB League (second after Nikita Kurbanov, 464).
Luka Samanic recorded his first double-double in the VTB League with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
Andreas Pistiolis has won 80 games with CSKA as head coach.
The Moscow team extends the winning streak to 12 wins.
Leaders
CSKA: Melo Trimble (21), Casper Ware (16), Semen Antonov (13), Livio Jean-Charles (10 + 7 rebounds + 5 assists)
Zenit: Luka Samanic (21 + 10 rebounds), Georgy Zhbanov (17 + 8 rebounds), Levi Randolph (14)
What’s next
CSKA: January 28 in the road against Enisey
Zenit: January 27 at home versus Avtodor.
