CSKA claim seventh straight Russian basketball title
Published: 26 May, 2009, 08:17
TAGS: Sport, Basketball
No surprises in Russian basketball as CSKA Moscow have won the Russian Basketball Superliga title, after crushing Khimki in game four of their play-off final series.
The Army Men were simply too good on the night, and cruised to a 78-45 victory, which gave them the overall 3-1 victory in the play-offs and their seventh consecutive domestic crown.
Khimki came into Game Four full of confidence, after beating the Army Men in a very tight encounter previously. However, CSKA were bitter, having led most of Game Three only for a controversial call to go against them at the end of the match.
Nevertheless, the defending champions knew that victory in Game Four would see them lift the Russian Superliga title.
Ettore Messina's side got off to a superb start, opening up a double digit lead midway through the first quarter. The visitors were in imperious form, both from behind the arch and also in the paint as with just 15 minutes of the match gone they were already 20 points up on their opponents.
Khimki were trying hard to keep up, but they were let down by a combination of poor shooting and excellent defense by the Army Men.
CSKA came out for the second half with a 20 point advantage and they continued to dominate in the third quarter. Captain Matiaz Smodis hit a couple of shots in succession from downtown to take the visitors lead past 30.
Khimki did try to rally, but they were simply outclassed by the opposing side. With the game effectively over by the fourth quarter, Ettore Messina's men turned on the style down the stretch.
The seventh consecutive Russian title is also their first trophy of the season.
CSKA’s fantastic performance saw all five of their starting players hitting double figures.
Now CSKA's players can just enjoy their victory, in what has been another successful season.
Denver levels L.A. LakersDenver Nuggets took full advantage of home court, destroying the L.A. Lakers to level their Western Conference final series at 2-all. |
Basketball: no-shows threaten Russia’s title defenseEuropean Basketball champions, Russia, will start the defense of their title in Poland in three months. However, coach David Blatt is facing serious problems forming the squad. |











