Lokomotiv Kuban defeated CSKA in the Game of the Week – 91:88 (28:15, 23:25, 20:30, 20:18)
Game progress
CSKA was knocked out at the start of the game with 4 three-pointers by Okaro White. By the start of the second quarter, the Army team was able to gradually cut the difference. Just like against Astana, Loko had problems with scoring, which allowed CSKA to make a 15-3 run and take the lead for the first time in the game. Then DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell stepped in and scored 10 points in 3minutes. The Krasnodar team got a comfortable lead by the halftime – 51:40.
Emil Rajkovic’s team started the third quarter discouraging as Akoon-Purcell and Aleksandr Scherbenev extended the lead to 15 points. Once again, CSKA found the strength to chase with Casper Ware help, who scored several three-poionters in a row. By the final quarter, Loko led by only 1 – 71:70.
Key moment
The final quarter was a real thriller, with the lead has changed almost every minute. The last minute of the game started with Jaylen Barford shot, which made the guests lead by 3. On the next possession, Livio-Jean Charles scored after offensive rebound, then Ware fouled on Barford and returned the same 3-point lead – 91:88. CSKA had the only chance to force at least overtime, but first Melo Trimble and then Ware missed their three-pointers. Loko continues the winning streak against the Moscow team and made Emil Rajkovic team to lose for the first time this regular season.
X-factor
Jalen Barford is having serious problems with his shot this season – he made 1 of 11 last game. But in the game against Loko’s biggest rival, the guard showed a very convincing shooting: 6 of 11 two-pointers, 2 of 4 three-pointers and a key 4 points in the end.
Fact
Lokomotiv Kuban got the 15th win over CSKA in the United League. No one has beaten the Moscow team more often than Loko. Including the SuperCup and the 2023 Semifinals, the Krasnodar team beat CSKA for the 3rd time in a row.
Leaders
CSKA: Melo Trimble (20 + 6 rebounds), Casper Ware (18), Livio Jean-Charles (15), Amath M’Baye (9 + 6 rebounds), Anton Astapkovic (8 + 5 assists).
Lokomotiv Kuban: Okaro White (23 + 6 rebounds), DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (22), Jaylen Barford (20 + 5 rebounds), Aleksandr Scherbenev (10).
What’s next
CSKA (9-1): November 18 on the road versus Runa
Lokomotiv Kuban (5-5): November 19 at home against Avtodor
