CSKA beat Kalev at home – 81:67 (29:14, 20:25, 21:10, 9:18).
Top scorers
CSKA: Darrun Hilliard (14), Daniel Hackett (12), Joel Bolomboy (11), Howard Sant-Roos (10), Janis Strelnieks (10).
Kalev: Kyle Vinales (14), Janari Joesaar (12+7 rebounds).
Story
Already in the first quarter CSKA created a solid chances to win the game. In first minutes Kalev was an equal opponent for favourites. The breaking point was Daniel Hackett’s three-point bomb – it started CSKA’s run 13:2. The Red-blues ended up first quarter with double digit lead – 29:14.
In the second quarter the hosts slowed down a bit and let Kalev reduce the gap to 11 points – 31:20. One more activity spark by Kalev took place in the end of the half – Kristjan Kitsing and Janari Joesaar found some CSKA’s weak spots on the perimeter. After 2 quarters of play CSKA led 49:39.
During the break CSKA did homework on 2nd quarter when they allowed 25 points. During the third the guests managed to score only 10 points while CSKA increased the advantage to +23. The final period became a mere formality when Red-blues gave some time for their bench players. CSKA take third consecutive win and continue to chase Khimki.
Hero
Daniel Hackett. CSKA guard spent only 15 minutes on the court but made most important efforts in key runs of his team and scored 12 points.
Stat
95% against 64% – total CSKA’s advantage in free throws accuracy.
Comments
CSKA head coach Dimitrios Itoudis:
– During main part of the game we were playing seriously. In the end of the third quarter we were where we wanted to be. Held Kalev’s scoring via our defence despite the failure in the end of the second quarter when we allowed 0-11 run. We talked about it, the team played much better in the third. We could play better in the fourth but the team still deserve congratulations. We wanted to let everybody step on the court, especially those who have just recovered after injuries. Good luck to Kalev.
Kalev head coach Roberts Stelmahers:
– Congratulations to CSKA on the victory. We wanted to play better but such opponent sometimes don’t allow to play our way. We gave minutes to everyone tonight to feel the power of this team. The result is result. In the end of the game our youth showed something, thus there is at least one advantage. I hope it will help them in the future.
Next
CSKA: March 9 vs Lokomotiv-Kuban
Kalev: February 29 vs UNICS
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