CSKA defeated Uralmash on the road – 79:76 (11:15, 29:17, 18:23, 21:21).
Game progress
The Moscow team started the game confidently and quickly took the lead. But the hosts improved defense, got the initiative and soon took the lead – 15:11. For most of the second quarter, the game was equal. But at some point, the Moscow team managed to pull ahead again. Melo Trimble and Ivan Ukhov made 4 three-pointers in a row, after which CSKA lead reached double-digit for the first time—38:26.
Key moment
After halftime, the tight battle continued. The Ural team cut the deficit, while CSKA tried to get away. The hosts’ latest comeback came at the end of the game. With 22 seconds left, Timofei Gerasimov cut Uralmash’s deficit to a single point—74:75. The hosts tried to save the game with fouls, and had a chance to do it. Gerasimov attempted a shot for overtime in the final seconds, but his missed.
X-factor
The bench factor played a crucial role in this game. Andreas Pistiolis utilized every player on the roster as early as the first half. The Moscow team bench scored 51 of CSKA’s 79 total points (compared to 26 of Uralmash’s 76).
Facts
This was the 10th game between the teams in the VTB League. CSKA has won all 10.
Anton Astapkovich played his 300th game in the VTB League.
Anton Astapkovich missed his first free throw of the season. Prior to this, CSKA forward had a streak of 41 consecutive free throws made.
Timofei Gerasimov surpassed 1,500 points scored in the VTB League.
Leaders
Uralmash: Garrett Nevels (16), Timofei Gerasimov (16 + 5 assists), Hayden Dalton (12 + 5 rebounds)
CSKA: Melo Trimble (19), Samson Ruzhentsev (12), Casper Ware (12 + 5 assists)
What’s next
Uralmash: April 1 at home versus Pari NN
CSKA: March 29 on the road against MBA-MAI.
