CSKA defeated UNICS at home in Finals Game 1 – 91:63 (23:23, 25:10, 23:12, 20:18).
Game progress
UNICS made a strong start. The Kazan team held CSKA scoreless for the opening three minutes and built an early 8:0 lead, forcing the hosts to call a timeout.
The move did not pay off immediately, but CSKA gradually found its rhythm. Melo Trimble provided a run after coming off the bench. The American guard led the comeback and knocked down the three-pointer that gave the hosts their first lead of the game – 23:21.
Trimble continued to dominate in the second quarter. By halftime, he had already scored 23 points, nearly half of CSKA’s total. Behind their leader’s performance, the hosts took control of the game and entered the break with a comfortable advantage – 48:33.
CSKA continued to pull away after halftime. The hosts pushed the lead beyond the 20 points midway through the third quarter, making it 59:38. UNICS was unable to respond, while CSKA confidently controlled the remainder of the game and secured a convincing win.
X-Factor
Three-point shooting was decisive.
CSKA made 16 of 32 long-range shots (50%), while UNICS scored 12 of 40 shots (30%).
Facts
This was CSKA’s largest win over UNICS in VTB United League history.
The previous record had stood for more than 11 years. On December 8, 2014, CSKA defeated the Kazan team by 24 points – 75:51.
CSKA remains unbeaten against UNICS at home this season.
Before tip-off, Melo Trimble received the 2025/26 Regular Season MVP award.
Leaders
CSKA: Melo Trimble (26), Antonius Cleveland (17), Ivan Ukhov (13)
UNICS: Marcus Bingham (15 + 7 rebounds), Alexey Shved (11 + 7 assists)
What’s next
Game 2 on June 4 in Moscow.
