Lokomotiv Kuban defeated CSKA in overtime in the SuperCup Quarterfinal – 100:98 OT (18:24, 23:21, 32:25, 13:16, 14:12).
Game progress
CSKA approached the new game with a special motivation. The Army team lost to the Krasnodar team in a thriller series, the result was decided only in Game 7 overtime (100:103 OT).
CSKA started confidently and built a lead in the opening minutes with efforts from Samson Ruzhentsev and Casper Ware, who brought the team 15 points – 22:9 in 7 minutes after the opening tip-in.
Loko showed a special approach. By the middle of the second quarter, the Krasnodar team starting five had made 15 two-point shots, compared to only 4 by the Army team. Lokomotiv managed to catch up despite Casper Ware performance – 22 points and 6 of 9 three-pointers.
The third quarter was extremely competitive – 32:25. The Krasnodar team won it. Ware led the Army team with shots, but Loko responded with a high percentage.
Key moment
73:73 – Ruzhentsev three-pointer equalised the teams chances at the start of the final quarter. The rivals exchanged shots throughout the last quarter. A three-pointer by Ivan Ukhov (he had 0-of-3 before the shot) forced Aleksander Sekulic to take a timeout, 2-point lead by the Army team. DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell answered with a layup with 1:02 to go. Ware put Ruzhentsev on the last possession, but the ball didn’t make it to the basket – overtime.
CSKA missed six shots after Ukhov’s three-pointer, giving Loko an 8-point lead midway through overtime. The Army team couldn’t get back in the game despite two long-range shots from Ware. Tonye Jekiri scored a three-pointer at the buzzer, but Loko didn’t let that stop them – 100:98. The Krasnodar team goes to the Seimfinal.
Key factor
Loko team basketball played a key role. Five Krasnodar team players score more than 10 points (Akoon-Purcell, Okaro White, Dmitriy Uzinskii, Vladislav Emchenko and Uladzislau Blizniuk). Despite Ware outstanding game – 44 points on 10 of 16 three-pointers – CSKA leading scorer lacked help from his teammates. Ruzhentsev scored 19 points, and Jekiri also got 10 (with the same three-pointer at the buzzer).
The Army team bench brought their team only 18 points, committing 15 fouls. Loko benchers made almost half of the team’s points (45; and only 6 fouls).
Fact
Vladislav Emchenko was a key player for Loko. All game he had an elite level defense. Also, Emchenko made important 4 free-throws in overtime. At the end of the game, he became Loko leader in points – 22.
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Vladislav Emchenko (22) DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (18), Uladzislau Blizniuk (13), Okaro White (11 + 6 rebounds), Dmitriy Uzinskii (10).
CSKA: Casper Ware (44), Samson Ruzhentsev (19), Tonye Jekiri (10 + 10 rebounds).
What’s next
Lokomotiv Kuban: September 23 against Fenerbahce.
CSKA: September 23 versus MBA.
