CSKA Russia defeated VEF Latvia at home, 94-69 (24-23, 26-17, 24-13, 20-16).
Top Scorers
CSKA: Cory Higgins (17), Will Clyburn (13 + 5 ast), Vitaly Fridzon (10), Leo Westermann (10), Andrey Vorontsevich (10)
VEF: Alex Perez (16), Mareks Mejeris (11 + 7 reb + 6 ast), Artis Ate (10)
Story
VEF was a heavy underdog in Moscow, bringing an 0-3 record against the undefeated Army Men. Riga also parted ways with forward Rolands Freimanis over the weekend, a significant blow to the team’s depth.
For 10+ minutes, VEF held its own against the reigning champs. Steady three-point shooting and a balanced attack helped the visitors lead much of the opening period.
But Andrey Vorontsevich’s triple to close the quarter signaled the beginning of the end. CSKA took a 24-23 lead into the break, then opened the 2nd quarter on an 11-2 run to go up 10.
The home team iced the game in the 3rd quarter, turning a 10-point lead in 23 early in the second half. Cory Higgins and Viktor Khryapa capped the surge with a 3-pointer and three-point play.
CSKA went on to win by 25, becoming the first team in the League to five wins. VEF drops to 0-4.
. @cskabasket vs. @vefriga one minute highlights 📹 pic.twitter.com/C9vGI2FN99
— VTB United League (@VTBUL) October 30, 2017
Nice Play
Stat
200 – Vitaly Fridzon became the first player to 200 games in the League, scoring 10 points in the CSKA win.
Quotes
CSKA head coach Dimitris Itoudis:
– Congratulations to the team. The guys played serious basketball today. I hope Misha Kulagin and Leo Westermanns injuries aren’t serious. Thanks to the fans who came to support us today.
VEF head coach Janis Gailitis:
– In general, I’m not happy when my team loses, but we played tough today and battled with CSKA for more than half the game. We’re playing with an opponent at different speeds and when CSKA started to play quicker and more aggressively, we weren’t able to maintain their tempo.
Up Next
CSKA: November 6 away vs. Khimki
VEF: November 4 home vs. Enisey
Snapshot
