CSKA defeated Lokomotiv-Kuban in the SuperCup-2021 semifinal game – 91:78 (22:6, 27:27, 25:24, 17:21).
Best scorers
CSKA: Marius Grigonis (16), Alexey Shved (14), Nikola Milutinov (12 + 9 rebounds + 5 assists), Iffe Lundberg (11), Ivan Ukhov (10).
Lokomotiv-Kuban: Eric McCollum (20), Jonathan Motley (18), Darius Thompson (14).
Game progress
In the SuperCup second semi-final game, VTB League champions was the nominal favourite. Moreover, Loko arrived at the SuperCup without key bigmen – Alan Williams and Greg Whittington.
But this rapid comeback by Loko did not get a continuation. As soon as Evgeniy Pashutin gave his leaders a little rest, the Army team immediately seized the initiative. Marius Grigonis, Alexey Shved and Iffe Lundberd effort helped Moscow team went on a big break with the already familiar margin of +16- 49:33.
After first half Loko found a new hero. Eric McCollum decided to confirm his reputation as a player who is ready to drag the team in critical moments. In the second half the American scored 18 points. But Loko guard’s skills did not affect the game at all in any way. CSKA had a total advantage on the boards, made fewer mistakes and demonstrated more team and diverse basketball. The Army team confidently controlled the game, held an advantage of around 20 points and calmly brought the game to win.
Hero
Nikola Milutinov had a key role in the CSKA offensive end. The center grab rebounds, perfectly got points and confidently assisted his teammates. As a result, Nikola became the most effective player (24), while showing excellent stats – 12 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists.
Numbers
23 – the maximum lead of the Army team in this game. CSKA took the lead in the first minute of the game and confidently brought it to win.
What’s next
In the SuperCup final, CSKA will face Zenit. Lokomotiv-Kuban will compete with UNICS for the third place.
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