CSKA defeated Zenit on the road in the Game 3 – 71:60 (20-17, 11-23, 22-11, 18-9).
Game progress
In the first 2 games the teams got 1 win each. Once again, expectations for the Gmae 3 were high. The opening minutes confirmed those expectations. While the St. Petersburg team tried to use their leaders, Nikola Milutinov helped the guests with 8 points in a row. The Moscow team looked more confident in the starting quarter, but couldn’t gain any significant advantage – 20:17.
In the second quarter, however, the hosts took the initiative. The key moment came at the end of the quarter. Trent Frazier, Caleb Homesley, and Adrian Moerman made a 9-1 run, which provided the hosts with a comfortable lead by the halftime – 40:31.
At the beginning of the third quarter, Zenit tried to strengthened the lead. After Igor Volkhin three-pointer, the hosts had a double-digit lead – 47:35. But CSKA didn’t give up, finding their rhythm instead. The Army team began csoring threes, quickly transitioned from defense to offense, and skillfully used their size advantage in the paint. After Samson Ruzhentsev drive, the guests regained the lead – 51:49.
Key moment
The guests kept their momentum by the final quarter. Dallas Moore 2 three-pointers became the key. After this, CSKA had a 13-point lead – 67:54. The St. Petersburg team tried to save the game with three-pointers, but failed to score. As a result, the Moscow team held a double-digit lead and gets a comfortable win.
Key factor
In Alexey Shved absence, the Army team needed new leaders. Dallas Moore was one of them in this game. His shots in the final quarter helped the Moscow team to get a win. In all, the American guard scored 15 points and, along with Nikola Milutinov, became the best scoring player of the game.
Fact
CSKA defense has been a key factor in this Series so far. In the previous game, the Army team allowed Zenit to score only 61 points. The St. Petersburg club again updated their season worst for points scored. Now it’s 60 points.
Leaders
Zenit: Trent Frazier (14), Vitaliy Fridzon (11)
CSKA: Nikola Milutinov (15 + 6 rebounds), Dallas Moore (15), Casper Ware (7 + 10 assists)
Next game: May 12 in St. Petersburg
