CSKA defeated MBA-MAI on the road – 109:106 OT (24:22, 31:22, 24:26, 20:31, 8:5).
Game progress
Before the game, Vasily Karasev spoke about the need to perform well against the league leaders. MBA-MAI had the right attitude. The team compensated for a slight deficit in shooting accuracy with offensive rebounds, making 6 in the first quarter alone. There were few fouls at the start by host, which gave an early advantage in free-throws.
MBA-MAI failed to maintain its concentration until the break. By the middle of the second quarter, the hosts began to regularly commit fouls and made turnovers. The guests took advantage of the opportunity, making a 15:2 run and going into the break as the confident leader.
In the third quarter, the game returned to balance, and MBA-MAI managed to reduce the 18-point deficit.
Key moment
A successful run allowed MBA-MAI to catch up. With 2 minutes left in regulation, Aleksandr Platunov allowed the hosts to take the lead for the first time in the game and then be the first to score a 100. With 14 seconds left, Viacheslav Zaitsev missed 2 free throws, missing the opportunity to make it 4-point lead. After that, Casper Ware lay-up sent the game into overtime.
In overtime, Ware scored 6 of the team’s 8 points and brought the guests the win.
X-factor
Casper Ware experience and composure once again played a decisive role in the final minutes. The guard scored the shot that sent his team into overtime, as well as 6 winning points in extra time. Ware was the game’s top scorer (23 points).
Facts
CSKA scored 5th 100 of the season, while MBA-MAI scored the 2nd.
Melo Trimble reached 2,000 points in his VTB United League career.
Maksim Lichutin played his 100th game in the League.
Maksim Barashkov had his first double-double of the season with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Leaders
MBA-MAI: Viacheslav Zaitsev (21 + 6 assists + 3 steals), Maksim Barashkov (20 + 11 rebounds), Aleksandr Platonov (13 + 5 rebounds + 3 steals), Aleksandr Gudumak (12 + 8 rebounds), Pavel Savkov (12)
CSKA: Casper Ware (23), Melo Trimble (18), Livio Jean-Charles (12), Antonius Cleveland (12)
What’s next
MBA-MAI: February 22 on the road versus Uralmash
CSKA: February 22 on the road against Lokomotiv Kuban.
