Lokomotiv Kuban defeated CSKA in Semifinals Game 1 the road – 97:88 OT (18:23, 24:20, 20:22, 21:18, 14:5).
Game progress
For Loko, the first game of the series started with offensive struggle. Three-pointers weren’t falling for either team, making control of the paint critically important. The Moscow team initially managed to deny the guests access to the basket and secure advantage in rebounds and offensive efficiency.
The Krasnodar team recovered fairly quickly, equalised the game and took the lead for the first time midway through the second quarter. In less than 5 minutes, the lead changed 10 times and CSKA went into halftime with slight lead.
The second half began with the same scenario. From the end of the third quarter, the hosts held the lead for a long time, but never managed to build a significant advantage. The guests kept the opponent within one or two possessions and took the lead again. Mike Moore’s three-pointer in the final minute tied the score, sending game to overtime – 83:83.
Key moment
Loko dominated in overtime, with only 5 points scored by CSKA. Livio Jean-Charles’s 2 points on the final possession allowed the hosts to avoid a double-digit loss.
X-Factor
After difficult first quarter, Lokomotiv Kuban focused on two-point shots and significantly outpaced the hosts in efficiency (67.4% – 41.2%). Both teams shot three-pointers with less than 30% accuracy, though the Krasnodar team attempted half as many three-pointers.
Facts
Loko secured its first win over CSKA this season. The previous 4 regular-season games had ended with Moscow team win.
Livio Jean-Charles reached 2,000 points in the VTB League.
Alen Hadzibegovic recorded his 8th double-double of the season and his first for Loko —20 points and 12 rebounds.
Nikita Kurbanov recorded his first double-double of the season—12 points and 11 rebounds.
Leaders
CSKA: Livio Jean-Charles (15 points + 6 rebounds), Antonius Cleveland (14), Samson Ruzhentsev (13 points + 5 rebounds), Nikita Kurbanov (12 points + 11 rebounds), Melo Trimble (11)
Lokomotiv Kuban: Alen Hadzibegovic (20 + 12 rebounds + 4 blocks), Vsevolod Ischenko (19), Patrick Miller (17 + 8 assists + 5 turnovers), Vince Hunter (13 + 6 rebounds), Jeremiah Martin (13 + 5 assists), Mike Moore (11)
What’s next
Game 2 on May 14 in Moscow.
