CSKA defeated UNICS at home – 84:80 (18:24, 19:26, 2820, 19:10).
Game progress
The game began with Moscow team made shots. But the guests quickly recovered. UNJCS added aggression to defense, scored several three-pointers and took the initiative. At the start of the second quarter, after long-range shots by Paris Lee and Dmitry Kulagin, UNICS’s lead reached 14 points – 36:22.
In the second half, the Moscow team staged a comeback. At the end of the third quarter, Melo Trimble turned on. MVP of January made shots allowed CSKA to cut the deficit. With 7 minutes before the end, the score was tied – 70:70.
Key moment
The Moscow team regained the lead and entered the clutch with a 3-point lead – 81:78. In the last minute, the Kazan team made several attempts to tie the score, but all of them were missed. Tactical fouls did not help UNICS either. In a tense end, the hosts scored important free throws and secured winning score.
X-factor
Three-pointers were the key factor for UNICS in this game. In the first half, the Kazan team made 7 of 16 long-range shots (43.8%) and scored 50 points. After the halftime, three-point shooting dropped by more than half (19.0% – 4 of 21), which had a significant impact on offensive efficiency (30 points).
CSKA, on the other hand, was able to rebuild its offense and increase its productivity with Melo Trimble help.
Facts
CSKA continued the winning streak, which now stands at 14 games. UNICS’ winning streak ended at 11.
The Moscow team is getting sole lead in standings.
Paris Lee returned to UNICS lineup. The guard played his first game in the League since November 2.
Leaders
CSKA: Melo Trimble (34 + 5 assists), Livio Jean-Charles (13), Casper Ware (11)
UNICS: Jalen Reynolds (21 + 6 rebounds), Marcus Bingham (16 + 6 rebounds), Dmitry Kulagin (14 + 6 rebounds)
What’s next
CSKA: February 8 at home against Avtodor
UNICS: February 4 on the road versus Uralmash.
