CSKA defeated Uralmash at home, 90–85 (14–25, 34–24, 21–19, 21–17).
Main Story
Uralmash took the initiative right from the start. Despite sloppy ball handling and turnover issues (6-1), Uralmash managed to build a double-digit lead by the end of the first 10 minutes. A good streak of three-pointers (5 of 7) helped them be ahead.
The Army team’s first three-point surge came in the second quarter. Casper Ware stepped up at the right moment and hit 5 three-pointers in 8 minutes. His points fueled Moscow’s comeback. By halftime, the Muscovites were back in the game within one possession (“-1”).
After the first two quarters, which were mirror images of each other with one team holding the lead, the third quarter was a tight battle with 13 lead changes, leaving the final outcome in doubt until the closing moments.
The Clutch Moment
Uralmash started the final stretch with an 8-0 run, but the visitors’ offense stalled after that. On the other hand, Melo Trimble picked up the momentum; his two points on a foul and a confident three-pointer off the dribble restored the lead for CSKA. In a tense finish, the home team proved to be the cooler-headed side, not letting the victory slip through their fingers.
X-Factor
The Muscovites came out on top thanks to their precise ball handling, committing significantly fewer turnovers—7 to 16.
Interesting Facts
CSKA remains undefeated in head-to-head matchups against Uralmash—11-0.
Melo Trimble reached the 300-three-pointer mark in the VTB League.
Uralmash matched its second-best total of the season for team three-pointers—13.
Press Conference
CSKA Head Coach, Andreas Pistiolis:
– First of all, let me thank the fans who came out to support us today. It’s great that we played our first real home game of the season, and there were quite a few people cheering us on. I’d also like to congratulate Semen on his 500th game with CSKA. This is a very important milestone for both him and the entire club. As for the game, there’s a lot we can take away from this match that we can be pleased with. At the same time, there’s a lot we can be dissatisfied with, and we can focus on those areas in practice to make corrections. We must also be grateful for every victory we achieve, because we understand that every team, every opponent, goes into a game against CSKA without stress or pressure. As always, we believe in CSKA and believe that we must find a way to win.
Uralmash Head Coach, Anton Yudin:
– First of all, congratulations to CSKA on their victory. I prepared my team to win, despite the difficulties we’ve been facing since the start of the season, and we got off to a very good start. We also had our chances at the end. Probably one of the key moments that may have determined this particular outcome was when we were leading by four points, had three fouls left, and allowed Melo Trimble to score on a foul. On the next possession, he hit a three-pointer.
I’ll say that it’s hard to counter players of Ware and Trimble’s caliber, especially when they’re on a roll. That’s what happened with Casper in the second quarter, when he made five three-pointers out of six attempts. The same thing happened with Trimble at the end. Basically, these are the team’s leaders, around whom the offense naturally revolves. As in previous games, we’re struggling with a high number of unforced turnovers. And our rebounding also leaves something to be desired, but I’ll say it again: we’re on the right track. We’re improving in these areas from game to game.
Highlights :
Condensed Game:
Top Performers
CSKA: Casper Ware (23), Melo Trimble (21), Livio Jean-Charles (18 + 9 rebounds), Antonius Cleveland (15)
Uralmash: David Efiayani (14), Chris Clemmons (14), Octavius Ellis (11 + 8 rebounds), Javonte Douglas (11 + 6 rebounds), Kirill Popov (10)
Up Next
CSKA: October 11 at home against Lokomotiv-Kuban
Uralmash: October 10 at home against BETCITY PARMA.
