Lokomotiv Kuban defeated CSKA in the Semifinals Game 5 on the road — 85:68 (26:12, 22:19, 21:19, 16:18).
Game progress
The game started with Livio Jean-Charles three-pointer. Surprisingly, the Moscow team score again only 8 minutes later. During that time, Loko with DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell shined and created a comfortable lead. The guestss took a double-digit lead – 26:12.
After Jalen Barford made shots in the second quarter, Loko’s lead reached 20 points – 37:17. Emil Rajkovic time-out shook the Army team up a bit and the team made a 6-point run, but couldn’t make a comeback. A three-pointer by Andrey Martiuk and Akoon-Purcell cut off the hosts momentum. By halftime, the Krasnodar team had maintained a comfortable lead – 48:31.
The beginning of the third quarter brought hope for the intrigue. The Army team took control of the game, calmed down and used their class and experience. After Alexey Shved three-pointer, the difference between the teams was only 7 points – 50-:57. At that point, however, CSKA stopped, while Loko offense fired up, scoring several important shots. As a result, the third quarter ended with Akoon-Purcell buzzer-beater, which helped Loko win the quarter as well – 69:50.
Key moment
In the final quarter, DeVontae Cacok tried to shake up his teammates. The Army team forward made several key shots, but didn’t receive the proper support. But Loko caught a courage. The Krasnodar team controlled the fourth quarter and sealed the game.
Key factor
Great defense was the key to Loko win. The Krasnodar team allowed CSKA to score only 68 points, which is their worst result of the season. For the first time in this Playoffs Series, both Casper Ware (4 points) and Alexey Shved (8 points) failed to score even 10 points.
Fact
In addition to the worst result of the season in scoring, the Army team sgot the biggest home loss in the VTB League. For the first time this season. the team lost by double-digit.
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (22), Jaylen Barford (13), Andrey Martiuk (11 + 8 rebounds).
CSKA: DeVontae Cacok (16), Livio Jean-Charles (10).
Next game: April 28 in Krasnodar
