Lokomotiv Kuban defeated CSKA in the Semifinals Game 2 on the road – 84:83 (22-23, 20-14, 20-25, 22-21).
Game progress
The Game 1 encouraged teams to fight hard in the Game 2. The opening minutes confirmed those hopes. The Army team wnt ahead, trying to crush their opponent, and after a three-pointer by Casper Ware, the lead reached 7 points – 13:6. But the guests quickly recovered. Okaro White made shots allowed the Krasnodar team to eqaulise the score, after that the game was tie for a long time.
Loko tried to get ahead. At the end of the second quarter, the guests made a a 10-point run – 42:37. After the break, Lokomotiv continued to push and after Akoon-Purcell field goal, their lead reached double digits for the first time in the game – 50:39.
At that moment, CSKA leaders woke up. Casper Ware and Nikola Milutinov got the Army team back on track. By the final quarter, the teams were already tied – 62:62.
Key moment
With 6 seconds left, the Army team trailed – 83:84. Alexey Shved inbounded the ball to Jean-Charles. The Moscow team center was waiting for Casper Ware, but Jalen Barford was there. Loko guard stole the ball and let Loko to win the Game 2.
Key factor
Okaro White was the real joker. The forward was the best scoring player in Loko, while also getting his season-high with 19 points. White three-pointer in the end was decisive for Lokomotiv Kuban in that game.
Fact
At the end of the game, CSKA center Nikola Milutinov left the court due to injury. He twisted his ankle. The Army team leader risks missing the next game, which could severely affect the entire Semifinals.
Leaders
CSKA: Alexey Shved (19 + 7 rebounds + 7 assists), Nikola Milutinov (14 + 6 rebounds), Casper Ware (13), Jean-Charles Livio (13 + 6 rebounds).
Lokomotiv Kuban: Okaro White (19 + 5 rebounds), DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (18 + 6 rebounds), Zakhar Vedishchev (10 + 5 rebounds).
Next game: April 20 in Krasnodar
