CSKA defeated Zenit on the road – 83:74 (19:19, 24:14, 25:19, 15:22).
Game progress
Three-point shooting helped Zenit take the lead in the first quarter. But the Moscow team didn’t let the opponent pull away, and the guests took the initiative. Antonius Cleveland emerged as the top scorer for the Moscow team. CSKA guard made 4 consecutive three-pointers, which had started his team’s run. The Moscow team went into halftime with a double-digit lead – 43:33.
The 15-minute break did not change the balance of power. In the third quarter, the Army Men continued to control the game. Moreover, their offense was still built around three-pointers. After another three-pointer by Anton Astapkovich, CSKA’s lead reached 19 points. The Moscow team lead had grown to 25 points at the start of last quarter – 77:52.
Key moment
The hosts only got into the game in the closing moments. But even an 18-point run wasn’t enough to save the game. With 38 seconds left, Zenit’s deficit had narrowed to 6 points—74:80.
But CSKA had the last word. Vladimir Karpenko’s three-pointer sealed the final scor – 83:74.
X-Factor
Three-pointers were the key in CSKA’s offense. The Moscow team made 15 of 36 three-pointers (41.7%).
Facts
CSKA has won all 4 games against Zenit this season. Moreover, today’s win was the Moscow team’s biggest in this rivalry. In previous clashes, the score difference never exceeded 5 points.
This season’s playoffs stage will begin in St. Petersburg. On April 26, Zenit will host Uralmash.
Leaders
Zenit: Johnny Juzang (18), Trent Frazier (17 + 6 assists), Andre Roberson (12 + 9 rebounds), Andrei Martiuk (10 + 6 assists)
CSKA: Melo Trimble (17), Antonius Cleveland (16), Livio Jean-Charles (12 + 8 assists).
