CSKA defeated Lokomotiv Kuban in Semifinals Game 4 on the road – 85:75 (21:29, 22:11, 13:11, 29:24).
Game progress
The loss in the first home game made the Game 4 critical for Loko, and the Krasnodar team came out with the appropriate mindset. By the middle of the first quarter, early pressure had resulted in a 13-point lead. At that point, CSKA finally got into the game and managed to equalise, despite three-pointers by the opponent.
A poor start of second quarter completely erased the hosts’ early lead and forced to start all over again. The Moscow team focused on two-point shots and raised the accuracy to 66.7%. With one minute left, this efficiency allowed to tie the score and then take the lead for the first time in the game.
The opponents began the second in a tight battle with low scoring. CSKA’s defense gradually neutralized the hosts offense. A brief burst of activity from Patrick Miller allowed the hosts to avoid falling into a critical deficit heading into the final quarter.
Key moment
In the final quarter, Casper Ware quickly extended Moscow team lead, and that was enough to keep Loko at safe distance. CSKA secured second road win and got closer to Finals.
X-Factor
The Moscow team made 89.3% of free throws, while the opponent made 57.1%.
Facts
Semen Antonov moved into first place in VTB United League history for blocks (239), surpassing Sergey Monya (237).
Melo Trimble played his 150th league game.
Jeremiah Martin made his 200th steal in League.
Mike Moore had his best scoring game in the VTB League with 18 points.
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Patrick Miller (22 points + 8 assists), Mike Moore (18)
CSKA: Melo Trimble (13), Antonius Cleveland (13), Livio Jean-Charles (12 + 9 rebounds), Casper Ware (11 + 8 assists), Anton Astapkovich (10 + 5 rebounds)
What’s next
Game 5 on May 23 in Moscow.
