CSKA defeated Lokomotiv Kuban in Krasnodar – 96:82 OT (27:17, 15:15, 18:29, 18:17, 18:4).
Game progress
Both teams needed a win: Loko had lost 2 of its last 3 games, and CSKA’s losing streak had reached 4 games in a row. The teams started off equal, but CSKA gradually began to pull ahead. After Amath M’Baye three-pointer and Semen Antonov 2 shots, the difference became double-digit – 25:15.
However, the double-digit advantage is just a sign for Loko to start acting: no other team has made as many comebacks as the Krasnodar team. Okaro White helped Loko kto cut the lead to a minimum. Still, the Moscow team made a 10:2 run and had 10-point difference by the halftime- 42-32.
Loko immediately rushed in the second half. Andrey Martiuk set the tone for the third quarter with a powerful dunk, Loko shooters supported their bigmen with 3 three-pointers in a row. The hosts took the lead for the first time since the start of the game – 43:42. Aleksander Sekulic team dominated in the third quarter and had a slight lead before the fourth quarter – 61:60.
Key moment
Loko began to make drives in the paint and CSKA could do nothing. Jaylen Barford crazy shot over Melo Trimble gave the hosts a 10-point lead. However, Nikita Kurbanov made 2 three-pointers in less than 30 seconds. Right after that, Kurbanov also blocked Kirill Elatontsev, and Trimble lay up cut the difference to just 2. And the same Trimble tied the score 10 seconds before the end of regulation – 78:78. On the last possession, Loko was able to get an open shot, but Aleksandr Scherbenev missed it. The game went into overtime.
The guests pressed even harder, shutting down Loko’s all shooting attempts. Trimble and M’Baye were able to score time after time. The frustrated hosts were unable to cope with CSKA pace. The Moscow team ended the losing streak and once again ties with UNICS in wins in the standings.
X-factor
Nikita Kurbanov became the key player in the ending of the regulation. Throughout the game, the Moscow team veteran remained in the shadows, playing mostly backup and defense, but at the decisive moment took the lead. His three-pointers and a spectacular block energized CSKA and helped to save the game.
Fact
Loko once again confirms the comeback kids status as made a comeback for the third time in a row.
The Krasnodar team got the first home loss since October 5. Loko home winning streak lasted 12 games.
Melo Trimble set a career-high in the United League and was close to a triple-double with 4 steals.
Vladislav Emchenko had his 250th assist in the United League.
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Okaro White (19 + 6 rebounds), DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (13 + 5 rebounds), Andrey Martiuk (13 + 8 rebounds), Jaylen Barford (11).
CSKA: Melo Trimble (26 + 7 rebounds + 7 assists + 4 steals), Amath M’Baye (21), Livio Jean-Charles (14), Anton Astapkovic (11), Nikita Kurbanov (10).
What’s next
Lokomotiv Kuban (20-10): March 20 at home versus PARMA
CSKA (23-7): March 16 at home against PARMA.
