CSKA defeated Zenit in the Semifinals Game 1 on the road – 82:67 (24:21, 15:14, 17:14, 26:18).
Game progress
The game started with Sergey Karasev long-range shot. But the Moscow team quickly get the initiative with Ivan Ukhov and Livio Jean-Charles help. In the first quarter, CSKA lead reached 8 points – 22:14. Vince Hunter got back into the game by working hard uin the paint. After the bigman dunk, the hosts was able to take the lead – 29:28.
But the guests took the lead at the end of the second quarter. While Zenit players had problems with long-range shooting (4 of 18 three-pointers), the guests confidently used the pick-and-roll offense. Casper Ware and Jean-Charles were surprisingly easy to open up the hosts defense. The Moscow team scored a few easy points and regained the lead by halftime – 39:35.
M`Baye scored early in the third quarter. CSKA forward scored 7 points in a row, which helped the guests increase the lead. After Jean-Charles made shot, CSKA lead became double-digit for the first time in the game – 54:44.
Key moment
In the final quarter, the Moscow team lead reached 17 points – 69:52. In the end, the hosts scored several goals. But Ukhov stopped potential Zenit comeback. Three-pointers by CSKA guard calmed the game, and the Moscow team got the win.
X-factor
Both teams had poor long-range shooting. The key in a game like this was the ability to score points fin the paint. And here the Moscow team was better than the opponent. CSKA was better in rebounding (36-25) and field-goal percentage (27 of 39 – 69.2%).
Fact
Nikita Kurbanov became the first player in VTB League history to surpass 1,500 rebounds. The forward had 1,504 rebounds after today’s game.
Leaders
Zenit: Vince Hunter (14 + 8 rebounds), Sergey Karasev (14), Juwan Morgan (13), Thomas Heurtel (10 + 7 assists).
CSKA: Amath M’Baye (18), Livio Jean-Charles (18), Anton Astapkovich (10).
What’s next
May 7 in St. Petersburg.
