CSKA — UNICS, 02 April 2018

Our team took the leading position in the VTB League from UNICS after the head-to-head game in Moscow.

CSKA vs. UNICS Kazan: 80-63 (+17)

CSKA: De Colo (12 + 3 rb + 6 as), Antonov (6 + 2 as), Higgins (12 + 2 st), Kurbanov (9 + 7 rb + 2 st), Hines (8 + 3 rb + 2 as) – start; Fridzon (0), Rodriguez (9 + 3 rb + 7 as + 4 pf), Vorontsevich (8 + 4 rb), Clyburn (2 + 3 rb + 2 as + 4 pf), Khryapa (0), Hunter (14), Makiev (DNP)…

UNICS: Ejim (6 + 5 rb + 2 as + 2 st + 4 pf), Ponkrashov (10 + 4 pf), Lasme (2 + 7 rb + 3 to), Smith (6 + 2 as), Lokett (13 + 9 rb + 3 as + 2 st) – start; Ndour (13 + 8 rb), Colom (5 + 3 as + 5 to), Shukhovtcov (0), Trushkin (6), Koscheyev (0), Sergeyev (0), Kolesnikov (2)…

Dimitris Itoudis, CSKA head coach:

Congratulations to the team on the win. We managed to bounce back from the game with Zalgiris, where we played beneath our standards. We analyzed that game and figured out where we could improve. For 28-30 minutes, we played excellent basketball. We read every situation, mismatches and communicated on defense. If I’m not mistaken, UNICS is averaging 86 points per game and we held them well below that number. They shot 33% from the field, 33% from two-point range. Our only issue was offensive rebounding, like in the first game, but we sacrificed it. Yes, we moved into 1st place in the VTB League, which is not as important under the new format. At the same time, we keep working to be the best we can be. After all, we are CSKA. We play hard for own pride and our fans, who came here despite it being a Monday evening game. Also I would like to congratulate everyone who celebrates with the start of Easter week.