CSKA — Lokomotiv Kuban, 05 May 2022

PRE-GAME BREAKDOWN

After the victory over Nizhny, the Muscovites had time to rest and train. Since May 2, the team has been working in Megasport.

CSKA defeated Lokomotiv with big margin both times this season. But the victories were taken by a completely different lineup. The red-and-blues experienced significant changes in the roster, while Krasnodar side practically retained the core of the team, led by a couple of the VTB League best scorers Errick McCollum and Jonathan Motley.

WORD TO THE COACH

Dimitris Itoudis, CSKA head coach:

We start semifinal series against a very serious team, Loko. They have athleticism, they have size, they run the floor very good, they are good on boards. Motley is a versatile big man, he has the support of all other players that can spread the floor playing on multiple positions like Ilnitsky and others. This is game 1, we are focused, we work hard, we are looking forward to the game and we hope to have fans to support our efforts.

PAST MATCHUPS

Wins/losses: 59-11,
In Moscow: 33-3, in Rostov: 9-1, in Krasnodar: 16-6, on neutral arena (Berlin): 1-0.
Game of the 2021-22 VTB United League season:

05-Dec-2021. Lokomotiv Kuban – CSKA: 69-88 (+19)
18-Feb-2022. CSKA – Lokomotiv Kuban: 91-71 (+20)

SHORT DOSSIER

Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar, Russia
Founded: 1946
Colors: red, green, white
Home court: Basket Hall (7,500)
President: Andrey Vedishchev
Interim head coach: Branko Maksimovic
Website: www.lokobasket.com
Trophy case: Euroleague bronze winner (2016), EuroCup winner (2013), VTB United League runner-up (2013), BEKO PBL bronze winner (2011/12), Eurochallenge runner-up (2011), FIBA Europe Cup runner-up (2005), Russian Cup winner (2018)