CSKA defeated Lokomotiv Kuban in WINLINE Game of the Week on the road – 95:90 OT (24:14, 18:16, 24:26, 17:27, 12:7).
Game progress
Long-range shots by Melo Trimble and Ivan Ukhov allowed the Moscow team to take the lead early in the game. The hosts had a difficult start, but CSKA had a real leader. Trimble made 12 points in the quarter and helped the Moscow team to take a double-digit lead in the first quarter – 20:8. The Krasnodar team managed to equalise the game, but nothing more. Throughout the second quarter, CSKA maintained a comfortable lead and got 12-point difference by halftime – 42:30.
The third quarter began with a 10-point run by Loko, which effectively wiped out all of CSKA’s achievements in the first half. The Moscow team had to start the run again and coped with this task once more. Trimble and Ukhov helped the guests to get back the initiative. Nikita Kurbanov let CSKA to increase it to double digits again – 57:46.
But the Krasnodar team showed character once again. The small-ball five looked excellent both in defense and offense. The hosts gradually reduced the deficit and finally caught up the opponent in the middle of fourth quarter – 74:74.
Key moment
The end of regulation turned into a real drama. B.J Johnson made second-chance points and this seemed to be the win for Loko – 83:81. The Moscow team had only 0.6 seconds left to respond. Only a miracle could save the guests, and that’s exactly what happened. Kurbanov’s pass across the court and Livio Jean-Charles’ shot sent the game into overtime.
In the overtime, the Moscow team was stronger. Trimble’s three-pointer was the key. After that shot, CSKA’s lead became 5 points with 17 seconds left – 95:90. In the remaining time, the hosts were unable to save the game.
X-factor
Nikita Kurbanov did not post fantastic stats in this game. However, his actions at key moments largely led to CSKA’s win. Kurbanov made the decisive pass across the court at the end of regulation. His shot also restored the Moscow team lead in the last minute of overtime. It is not surprising that Nikita was the best player in this game in +/- (+13).
Facts
CSKA interrupted Lokomotiv’s winning streak, which consisted of five games. It is curious that it began for the Kuban team right after their defeat to CSKA in Moscow.
Serbian center Luka Mitrovic made his debut for CSKA in this game. The Krasnodar team had 2 debut players: B.J. Johnson and Mike Moore.
Melo Trimble scored 35 points and repeated his scoring record in the VTB League. He also recorded the previous milestone against Lokomotiv Kuban.
Vsevolod Ishchenko scored career-high 19 points in this game.
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Vsevolod Ishchenko (19 + 5 rebounds), Patrick Miller (15 + 9 assists), Jeremiah Martin (13), B.J. Johnson (12 + 7 rebounds), Mike Moore (12)
CSKA: Melo Trimble (35), Livio Jean-Charles (15 + 6 rebounds)
What’s next
Lokomotiv Kuban: December 14 on the road versus BETCITY PARMA
CSKA: December 9 at home against BETCITY PARMA.
