CSKA defeated Avtodor at home – 108:83 (24:19, 33:19, 20:27, 31:18).
Game progress
Avtodor immediately showed the intention to fight in every possession. There was fast-paced game, but the Moscow team quickly calmed down, slowed the pace. The Saratov team activity resulted in 4 early team fouls and 5 turnovers, which allowed the hosts to take control of the game and gain a 14-point advantage. A 6:0 run by the guests near the end of the 1st quarter helped to get back into the game.
The balance held until the second quarter. CSKA began to score three-pointers, which soon led to a significant lead. By halftime, Melo Trimble and Casper Ware each made 3 long-range shots with 4 attempts and Aleksa Avramovic closed out the first half with a difficult three-pointer at the buzzer. Avtodor had 2 of 14 three-pointers made and the differential was 19 points.
The guests tried to make a comeback in the third quarter. Kerem Kanter had a double-double (14+10) in 30 minutes, Jamal Jones supported Dusan Beslac. With their efforts, the Saratov team managed to cut the deficit to 12 points by the final quarter.
Key moment
The Moscow team decided not to bring the game to a close in the end. Melo Trimble started a 13:2 run and was supported by Tonye Jekiri. The hosts held a 20-point lead and didn’t let the Saratov team to get any closer.
X-factor
CSKA guard Melo Trimble was the key player of the game with 29 points and 4 of 6 three-pointers.
Avtodor scored 7 of 29 long-range shots (24.1%). The team ranks 10th in the League in average three-pointer percentage (32.2%).
Facts
CSKA had the 100-point game for the 7th time this season.
The rivalry history score is 24-1, the Moscow team leads. The only time CSKA lost in April 2015 in Moscow (104:107).
The 23rd win of the season put CSKA back in sole lead in the standings.
Leaders
CSKA: Melo Trimble (29), Livio Jean-Charles (17 + 6 rebounds), Casper Ware (14), Tonye Jekiri (12 + 5 rebounds).
Avtodor: Kerem Kanter (22 + 11 rebounds), Dusan Beslac (16 + 5 rebounds), Caleb Agada (12), Bryant Crawford (11 + 5 rebounds).
What’s next
CSKA: January 26 on the road against Uralmash
Avtodor: January 25 at home versus PARMA.
