CSKA defeated Runa at home – 89:79 (19:22, 23:21, 24:19, 23:17).
Game progress
The first half was equal and both teams evenly distributed the offensive load with only Livio Jean-Charles (12 points, 6 of 7 from the game) and Juwan Morgan (11 points, 4 of 5 from the game). The guests had a good three-point shots percentage (8 of 16 versus 4 of 9 hosts’ attempts), which helped the newcomer to hold off CSKA and had a slight lead by the halftime – 43:42.
In the third quarter, CSKA managed to score 6 long-range shots. Melo Trimble and Casper Ware gave the hosts a 4-point lead before the final quarter (66:62).
Key moment
Runa continued to try hard to overtake CSKA throughout the fourth quarter. Juwan Morgan made 3 free throws 2,5 minutes before the end (77:82). The hosts responded with Amath M’Baye powerful dunk, and soon Semen Antonov scored desicive three-pointer – 89:79.
The Vikings lost a chance to finish the regular season first stage in the Top 6.
X-factor
CSKA (58.7%) and Runa (56.3%) were the League leaders in two-point percentage before the game. While the Army team demonstrated a generally decent and close to normal rate (50%), the opponent had only 40%, which prevented the team from reaching the right offensive result.
Fact
The last time CSKA lost to a team from Moscow (as part of the Russian championships) was almost 13 years ago. In February 2011, the Army team lost to Dynamo at home – 64:70.
Leaders
CSKA: Casper Ware (22 + 6 assists), Livio Jean-Charles (15), Amath M’Baye (13 + 9 rebounds), Tonye Jekiri (10 + 9 rebounds).
Runa: Juwan Morgan (20 + 6 rebounds), Jeremiah Hill (15 + 3 steals), Aleksa Radanov (10 + 5 rebounds).
What’s next
CSKA (19-3): January 21 at home against Uralmash
Runa (9-13): January 21 on the road versus MINSK.
