CSKA defeated UNICS in WINLINE Game of the Week at home – 86:75 (22:19, 21:17, 22:20, 21:19).
Game progress
Less than 2 minutes into the game, CSKA already had a 7-point lead – 9:2. But the Moscow team was unable to maintain the advantage. The Kazan team recovered, equalised the game and even took the lead for the first time – 28:27. However, Moscow team regained control of the game. Anton Astapkovich started a run, which helped to get slight lead by halftime – 43:36.
Key moment
In less than a minute, the hosts forced the opponent to make 3 turnovers. The Moscow team converted all of these mistakes into points. After Antonius Cleveland slam, CSKA’s lead reached 15 points – 53:38.
The Kazan team had no intention of giving up. Paris Lee scored several shots, in the middle of the final quarter UNICS cut the deficit to just 5 points – 68:73. However, the guests were unable to achieve more. Melo Trimble stepped up in the final minutes. The guard scored 7 points in a 1.5 minute, restored CSKAdouble-digit lead, which helped to get win.
X-factor
The guests committed 18 turnovers in this game, setting the worst of the season. The Moscow team skillfully took advantage of opponent mistakes. A series of turnovers by Kazan team at the start of the third quarter laid the foundation for CSKA’s key run in this game.
Facts
Until today, the guest remained the only undefeated team in the VTB League. For UNICS, it was their best start since 2022. Back then, Kazan team had 8 wins at the start of the regular season. This time, the Volga team stopped at 6 wins.
Despite today’s win, CSKA failed to top the standings. To overtake UNICS, the Moscow team needed to win by at least 27 points.
Melo Trimble scored 25 points and set his new season-high.
Leaders
CSKA: Melon Trimble (25 + 6 assists), Livio Jean-Charles (15), Antony Cleveland (13), Anton Astapkovich (12 + 5 rebounds + 5 assists)
UNICS: Jalen Reynolds (17), Marcus Bingham (14 + 5 rebounds), Paris Lee (13 + 7 assists), C.J. Bryce (11)
What’s next
CSKA: October 29 at home against Uralmash
UNICS: November 2 on the road versus Pari NN.
