CSKA defeated Lokomotiv Kuban on Semifinals Game 5 at home – 103:92 (25:12, 30:24, 23:26, 25:30).
Game progress
The first quarter ended with the hosts holding a lead, making things as difficult as possible for Loko.
CSKA’s three-point shooting was the main problem for the guests, as the hosts made 8 of 13 three-pointers in the first half. Melo Trimble made 4 of 5 long-range shots and scored 18 points by halftime.
Lokomotiv Kuban players didn’t give up, despite trailing by 19. The third quarter began with a 9-0 run. The Krasnodar team started making three-pointers and had matched the hosts in three-point shooting. Loko won the quarter, but the comeback didn’t significantly change the overall situation. A 16-point lead allowed the Moscow team to feel confident heading into the final quarter.
Key moment
The guests managed to cut deficit to 7 points with 2 minutes left, but the Krasnodar team couldn’t get any closer. CSKA reached the 100 points and advanced to the Finals.
X-Factor
Melo Trimble led the game in scoring with 29 points. The guard made 7 of 11 field goals, 6 of 9 three-pointers and 9 of 10 free throws.
Facts
Melo Trimble set new this season Playoffs high 29 points and 6 three-pointers.
The teams played 6th series of the VTB League Playoffs. The Moscow team won 5.
CSKA recorded its third 100-point game of the Playoffs and its second in the series against Loko.
Leaders
CSKA: Melo Trimble (29), Casper Ware (16), Livio Jean-Charles (14 + 8 rebounds), Nikita Kurbanov (12)
Lokomotiv Kuban: Patrick Miller (20 + 6 assists + 5 turnovers), Mike Moore (18 + 7 rebounds), Jeremiah Martin (15 + 5 assists), Anton Kvitkovskikh (11 + 6 rebounds), Vsevolod Ischenko (11 + 7 rebounds), Kirill Temirov (10)
What’s next
CSKA: June 2 in Moscow
Lokomotiv Kuban: June 1 on the road.
