CSKA defeated Zenit in Finals Game 6 at home 96:73 (23:20, 29:19, 26:15, 18:19).
Game progress
The teams had a strong start. Casper Ware and Amath M’Baye (18 points) gave CSKA an 8-point lead at one point – 21:13.
The guests were able to equalize the game through rotation and three-pointers, and by the end of the first quarter cut the deficit to one shot – 20:23. But in the second quarter, the Moscow team retook the initiative. Melo Trimble helped the hosts to get a double digit lead by halftime – 52:39.
Key moment
In the third quarter, the Moscow team continued to push the tempo. Midway through the quarter, the hosts lead reached 21 points – 71:50. The Moscow team did not let the lead slip away. The difference at one point was 30 points – 88:58. By the end, the guests had improved a bit, but wasn’t able to get closer.
X-factor
In the decisive game of Finals, the Moscow team showed a terrific offense, scoring 96 points. Regarding CSKA offensive play, the team made only 6 turnovers (Zenit had 17). Also, the Moscow team showed excellent three-point percentage. In this game, CSKA made 13 of 26 long-range shots.
Facts
CSKA got 3rd win in a row and closes the Finals – 4-2.
Zenit became the first European team in 21th century with 60 games within one season of the national league.
Over the last 7 seasons in the VTB League, one of the finalists has won 3 consecutive games.
This game was the 60th in the rivalry history between CSKA and Zenit in VTB League. Tonight win was 37th for Moscow team in games against Zenit.
Leaders
CSKA: Melo Trimble (20), Amath M’Baye (19 + 6 rebounds), Casper Ware (16), Ivan Ukhov (12), Tonye Jekiri (11), Anton Astapkovich (10 + 7 rebounds).
Zenit: Trent Frazier (17 + 5 assists), Dwayne Bacon (16 + 5 rebounds), Alex Poythress (9 + 10 rebounds).
