CSKA one step away from Russia’s basketball Superliga final
Published: 10 May, 2009, 20:11
TAGS: Sport, Basketball
CSKA Moscow are just one win away from reaching a 7th straight Russia’s basketball Superliga decider. The Army Men secured a 2-0 semi-final series lead over UNICS on Saturday in no-nonsense fashion.
UNICS's poor defensive performance in the first game had left them no chance in the opening match. And the Kazan side entered Game Two knowing they needed to better, significantly, if they wanted to tie the series.
They looked good in the opening stages, managing to get themselves in front half way through the first quarter. However, strong defensive play allowed CSKA to level matters later on.
The Euroleague runners-up then showed their pedigree and grabbed the lead, Victor Keyru demonstrating his best in the first half with 11 points.
The game went in the same vein as the first match, starting from that point. The Army Men kept increasing their lead, while the visitors couldn't come closer than 10 points.
CSKA started the final quarter with a 20-point advantage, but kept their defensive composure.
Ettore Messina took an opportunity to give his young players some time on court. And one of the main contenders for the top pick of this season's NBA draft, Aleksey Shved, took full advantage.
The youngster put a cherry on top, with his buzzer-beating half-court 3-pointer.
Afterwards, CSKA's coaching staff held no doubts about the key to this win.
The army men were a comfortable 78-59 winners in the end.
The teams now move to Kazan for Game three on Tuesday, where the Army men will have a chance to claim the series.
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