CSKA defeated UNICS in Semifinals Game 1 at home – 67:56 (15:9, 21:12, 11:15, 20:20).
Game progress
The teams started the game cautiously. Opponents score 5 points each after 3 minutes from the start. The Moscow team woke up first. Tonye Jekiri and Aleksa Avramovic from the bench helped to make several good possessions, CSKA took the initiative and had 9-point lead by the start of second quarter – 20:11.
The Kazan team fought and tried to get every ball. But poor long-range shooting (1 of 10 – 10%) and free-throws (6 of 12 – 50%) didn’t allow to get closer to opponent. The Moscow team used this and made another run, which helped to end first half with 15-point lead – 36:21.
Key moment
The guests were able to equalise the game after halftime. UNICS scored several shots and got closer to opponent. The Kazan team deficit was cut to 9 points after Marcos Knight made shot.
But the Kazan team was unable to achieve more. Ivan Ukhov three-pointer quickly gave CSKA back a double-digit lead. For the remainder of the game, the score difference was 8-10 points. The Moscow team held comfortable lead until the end and got first win in Semifinals.
X-factor
Defense was the key factor in CSKA win in this game. The Moscow team allowed the opponent to score only 56 points. At the same time, the Kazan team was able to make only 18 of 58 field-goals (31.0%), and only 1 of 18 three-pointers (5.6%).
Facts
Both teams approached this series as the League best defensive teams. CSKA allowed 72.5 points, while UNICS 72.4. The two teams confirmed status in Semifinals Game 1 and combined for 123 points.
UNICS guard Marcos Knight reached 2,000 points in his VTB League career. He became only the 3rd international in League history (after Jalen Reynolds and Casper Ware) to reach that milestone.
Leaders
CSKA: Casper Ware (16), Tonye Jekiri (15 + 6 rebounds), Melo Trimble (11).
UNICS: Ismael Bako (16 + 9 rebounds), Marcos Knight (16 + 6 rebounds).
What’s next
May 8 in Moscow.
