CSKA defeated Lokomotiv Kuban at home – 99:69 (17:23, 33:16, 24:15, 25:15).
Game progress
Both teams jumped right into the game from the start. Midway through the first quarter, the Krasnodar team took the lead with bench players contribution. The guests held the lead for a long time, but the end of the second quarter was entirely dominated by CSKA. Solid defense, dominance in the paint and effective offense allowed the Moscow team to change the game. The first half ended with a buzzer-beater by Antonius Cleveland, after which the Moscow team lead reached double digits for the first time in the game – 50:39.
Key moment
The hosts also dominated the start of the third quarter. In 4 minutes, CSKA allowed the opponent to score just 1 point. The Moscow team extended the lead to 19 points with Cleveland efforts – 59:40.
In the remaining time, the Moscow team extended the lead even further, coming within one point of reaching 100 and securing a confident win.
X-Factor
Dominance in the paint was one of the key factors in CSKA’s win. The hosts nearly doubled their opponent’s total —42 to 22. The Moscow team superiority in offensive rebounds was particularly impressive: 15-5.
Facts
Thanks to today’s win, CSKA clinched the regular-season title. This is their first such title since 2023. UNICS finished second. Meanwhile, Loko still has a chance to push Zenit out of third place.
CSKA has won 26 consecutive home games in the regular season. This is the longest streak in Europe. The VTB League record belongs to Khimki—30 consecutive home wins in the regular season.
Leaders
CSKA: Ivan Ukhov (20 points + 6 assists), Melo Trimble (17 points + 6 rebounds), Antonius Cleveland (17 points), Livio Jean-Charles (15 points + 7 rebounds)
Lokomotiv Kuban: Jeremiah Martin (15), Danil Sheyanov (12), Vince Hunter (10)
What’s next
CSKA: April 16 at home against Paris NN
Lokomotiv Kuban: April 11 at home versus Pari NN.
