UNICS — CSKA, 11 February 2019

UNICS Kazan vs. CSKA: 71-68 (-3)

UNICS: Morgan (18 + 10 rb), Ejim (9 + 3 rb + 4 to + 5 pf), Lokett (7 + 3 as + 4 pf), Kolesnikov (2), Henry (15 + 4 rb + 3 as + 5 st) – start; Sergeyev (DNP), McCollum (10 + 2 as), Ponkrashov (2), Klimenko (0), Smith (8 + 3 rb + 2 as), Koscheyev (0), Sheleketo (0)…

CSKA: De Colo (19 + 3 as + 3 to), Antonov (3 to), Hackett (4 + 2 as), Kurbanov (4 + 6 rb + 3 as + 2 bs), Hines (4 + 5 rb) – start; Bolomboy (1 + 5 rb), Ukhov (0), Rodriguez (7), Vorontsevich (10 + 3 rb + 2 st), Clyburn (2 + 3 as), Higgins (17 + 4 rb + 6 to + 5 pf), Lopatin (DNP)…

First of all, I want to congratulate UNICS on the win. There is a lot to talk about. We started the game very well. We were focused and controlled the momentum. We led by 15 with four minutes left in the first half. At the moment, we subconsciously relaxed. But, of course, UNICS also changed its mindset. It’s no so much about the zone defense. That’s why we weren’t able to score for an extended stretch. But in the 3rd quarter we got back in the game and led by seven again.

I can guarantee that this was not how we typically play or how much effort we usually give. We played a tough game on Friday. UNICS played on Wednesday. They had four day to prepare, we had two. In games like this, that means a lot. We turned the ball over 19 times and 12 times in the second half. We missed eight free throws. That is very costly in such difficult games. This was a good lesson for us. We have a second meeting to come. And we still lead the League.