CSKA defeated UNICS in Semifinals Game 3 on the road – 90:86 (17:25, 21:22, 30:24, 22:15).
Game progress
The Moscow team started series with 2 wins in a row at home. UNICS was able to rebuild in Game 3 and started it with trademark defensive basketball. The Kazan team made a 9-2 run, took control of the game and got confident advantage. The key was Moscow team’s 10 turnovers in first half, UNICS had only 1, and Andrey Lopatin 12-point performance (4 of 5 field goals made.
DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell started to shine in second half. By that time, Amath M’Baye had foul trouble (4 fouls in third quarter). All that consequences did not let Moscow team to get into the game. The best offense in the League got going only in the end of third quarter with three-pointers. CSKA brought back confidence and discipline. The game went into clutch.
Key moment
CSKA had the initiative in the decisive minutes, but UNICS had every chance to save the game. With 19 seconds left, Ismael Bako made only 1 of 2 free throws, but Jalen Reynolds grabbed the rebound and immediately got fouled. It was the center’s first free throws of the game – he missed both! This time the Moscow team got rebound, a tactical foul put Tonye Jekiri on the line, who had only 2 of 6 at that point. The Moscow team bigman made both attempts – 87:84. On the next UNICS possession, Marcus Keene had bad three-point attempt, after which the Moscow team picked up the ball and took the win.
X-factor
UNICS was let down by free-throws – 13 of 19 (68.4%). Several of those misses were in the last minute of the game.
Facts
Andreas Pistiolis team took the lead for the first time 7 minutes before the end and eventually got win.
The score was tied 3 times in the 4th quarter.
CSKA maximum deficit was 18 points.
For the first time in League history, one team led 3-0 in the Semifinals.
Leaders
UNICS: Ismael Bako (14 + 8 rebounds), Andrey Lopatin (14), Darrun Hilliard (12), Marcos Knight (11 + 6 rebounds), Jalen Reynolds (10 + 7 rebounds).
CSKA: Melo Trimble (23 + 6 rebounds + 5 assists), Casper Ware (17 + 6 rebounds + 5 assists), Tonye Jekiri (12 + 5 rebounds).
What’s next
May 14 in Kazan.
