CSKA defeated Lokomotiv Kuban at home in Semifinals Game 2 at home – 84:71 (23:27, 17:12, 21:16, 23:16).
Game progress
Early in the game, the guests managed to impose preferred style of play. Aggressive defense, physical play and quick transitions from defense to offense allowed Loko to take the lead. At one point, the Krasnodar team lead reached 8 points – 31:23.
But as the second quarter progressed, the Moscow team managed to slow down the opponent and shift the game into a positional style. CSKA began to gradually catch up with the opponent. Anton Astapkovich helped the hosts to get the lead closer to the end of first half —40:39.
Key moment
Having taken the lead, the Moscow team did not allow the lead to get away. After the halftime, Melo Trimble stepped up. His accurate shots allowed CSKA to pull away. Midway through the final quarter, following three-pointer by Trimble, the hosts lead reached double digits—69–59.
In the remaining time, the Krasnodar team tried to mount a comeback, but CSKA solid defense dashed all of Loko hopes of a comeback. The Moscow team secured the win and ties the series.
X-Factor
Defense was the key to CSKA’s win in this game. Only in the first quarter the Krasnodar team managed to play its game. Then the Moscow team shut down Loko fast break. As a result, the guests scored only 44 points over the next 30 minutes.
Facts
Just like in the series between UNICS and Zenit, CSKA vs Loko matchup is also tied 1-1. However, despite today’s loss, the guests secured home-court advantage. The next 2 games between the teams will be in Krasnodar on May 18 and 20.
Livio Jean-Charles had his best game of the season. The CSKA center made 8 of 10 field goals and 7 of 10 free throws, finishing as the game’s leading scorer (23 points) and most efficient player (28 efficiency rating).
Leaders
CSKA: Livio Jean-Charles (23), Melo Trimble (22 + 6 assists), Casper Ware (13)
Lokomotiv Kuban: Vince Hunter (12 + 6 rebounds), Mike Moore (12), Kirill Temirov (11), Anton Kvitkovskikh (10 + 5 rebounds)
What’s next
Game 3 on May 18 in Krasnodar.
