However, that wasn't how things panned out early on. CSKA – missing the likes of Trajan Langdon and Matjaz Smodis through a combination of illness and injury – often found themselves playing catch-up against a very quick and mobile Lottomatica side.

The American duo of Andre Hutson and Kennedy Winston were proving particularly effective for the Rome side. The visitors ended the first quarter leading 26-22.

The home side struggled to keep pace with the Italian's speed and power, and saw Lottomatica's advantage grow to seven points. But CSKA had Zoran Planinic to thank for keeping them in the game.

The Croat came up with a series of lay-ups as well as a couple of efforts from the field. Planinic's impact on the game meant the Armymen went into the half time break with a two point lead.

The lead changed hands at regular intervals in the third quarter, but it was the guests who would finish the stronger, going into the final ten minutes with a six-point advantage.

Coming out for the final quarter, CSKA knew they had to up their game in order to avoid an embarrassing defeat at home.

Khryapa's early three-pointer helped, and the Armymen were in striking distance of drawing level.

However, the home side was guilty of giving away too many turnovers late on, and Lottomatica pulled away, holding on to a deserved 74-69.

It was a fantastic victory on the road for Lottomatica, while CSKA have plenty of work to do if they want to be one of the main contenders for this year’s Euroleague title.