Krasnodar will host Game of the Week between Lokomoitv Kuban and CSKA on Sunday.
Place: Russia, Krasnodar, Basket Hall
Time: March 16, 2025, 14:30 (Moscow time)
Broadcast: Match TV, TV Start, League website
Rivalry
In the first head-to-head clash of the season in Moscow, CSKA ended Loko’s 9-game winning streak, stopping Andrei Vedischev on his way to a record-breaking coaching debut. The loss at the end of October definitely had an impact on the Krasnodar team. Immediately afterward, the team lost 2 more games in a row and since then has not been able to get the stability.
On December 22, Lokomotiv took revenge in a close game in Krasnodar – 69:65. The Krasnodar team then ended a 3-game losing streak in their rivalry with the Moscow team. On January 19, another game between the teams ended with Loko win in one of the most dramatic endings of the season (106:104).
The rivalry history score is 72-19, CSKA leads. The head-to-head history in VTB League is 36-18.
Intrigue
CSKA (31-5) and Lokomotiv Kuban (27-9) are at opposite places in Top 4, with Zenit (30-5) and UNICS (29-7) between. The Krasnodar team will almost lose hopes for 1st place and worsen their chances of competing for the Top 3 in case of loss. The Moscow team needs to win as rivals aren’t struggling and have to defend the top spot in the standings in every game.
The Moscow team will be aiming for revenge after January loss in tense ending, when Andreas Pistiolis was sent off for arguing with the officials.
Facts
Three days ago, Lokomotiv and CSKA played home games against Samara and Enisey, which followed mirror scenarios. The Krasnodar team won by 54 points, resting Patrick Miller and Antonius Cleveland. The Moscow team had resistance from Enisey, coming back from a 16-point deficit to win in the end – 91:86 .
Duel
Andrei Martiuk vs. Tonye Jackery
The krasnodar team bigman had a season-high and his first double-double (27 points, 10 rebounds) against CSKA in January. In Loko’s last game against Samara, the Russian again dominated with 25 points and 14 rebounds.
Tonye Jekiri will not only try to defend Martiuk, but will also try to help his team in offense. In a tough game against Enisey on March 12, the Moscow team center scored 15 points and also made a key long-range shot.
Competition
The games between Lokomotiv Kuban and CSKA have been particularly entertaining this season, with the difference in the final score 4 points on average. The teams are sure to present another exciting battle at Basket Hall.
Difference
If the Moscow team can win by 6 or more points, the team will have points advantage over Loko.
Numbers
CSKA leads the season in scoring average (91.9 points), three-point shooting percentage (40.8), field-goal shooting percentage (49.9), and assists (21.0).
Lokomotiv Kuban ranks first in rebounds (38.8), steals (9.8) and blocks (4.8).
