Lokomotiv Kuban defeated CSKA at home in the Game of the Week – 89:85 (22:27, 22:26, 25:20, 20:12).

Game progress
Lokomotiv Kuban had trouble with three-pointers since the start. Both teams played well in the paint (63% and 69% of two-pointers made), but the hosts long-range shots drought allowed the Moscow team to build a lead midway through the second quarter. After Amath M’Baye layup, the Army team had the lead – 43:27. However, Loko was able to cut the difference. After DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell missed 4 three-pointers, he finally scored and increased the hosts shooting percentage (17.6%, 3 of 17), CSKA had a 9-point lead by the halfitme.

The second half started with Loko 18:3 run – 65:56! In 4.5 minutes, the hosts made more three-pointers than in the entire first half. However, Emil Rajkovic timeout paid off. The Army team made 14:2 comeback and entered the fourth quarter with the lead – 73:69.

Key moment
The teams entered the last 5 minutes of the game with tied score – 77:77. Akoon-Purcell made three-pointer, layup and another long-range shot! The hosts took a 6-point lead, and Rajkovic responded with a timeout.

But this time CSKA couldn’t make a comeback. Although M’Baye cut the difference to only 2 with his three-pointer 25 seconds before the end, Melo Trimble made a turnover on the next possession and the Army team has no chance to save the game.

This is the 10th straight home win for Loko and the second of the season over CSKA.

X-factor
DeVaughn Akoon-Percell had a key impact on the game result – his 8 points helped to create a comfortable difference before the final 2 minutes.

Fact
CSKA made 21 turnovers, the Moscow team worst season result and the 4th worst in the entire League. Samara stands the first with 25.

Only 6 teams have ever beaten CSKA twice in the United League regular season history: Zalgiris – 12/13, Khimki – 13/14, Loko – 14/15, UNICS – 18/19, Zenit – 20/21 and UNICS – 21/22.

Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (30), Jaylen Barford (15), Andrey Martiuk (10 + 7 rebounds).
CSKA: Melo Trimble (23 points + 6 assists), Amath M’Baye (21 + 9 rebounds + 5 turnovers), Tonye Jekiri (11 + 6 rebounds).

What’s next
Lokomotiv Kuban (16-6): January 19 on the road against Pari Nizhny Novgorod
CSKA (18-3): January 18 at home versus Runa.