The first semifinal game of the VTB United League playoffs between CSKA Moscow and Lokomotiv-Kuban did not disappoint, delivering a thrilling overtime finish. CSKA, who had not lost at home all season, entered the contest as favorites. However, Lokomotiv-Kuban had other plans. Here is how the opening clash unfolded.
CSKA started strong, as expected from the home side, opening with an 11-3 run highlighted by Livio Jean-Charles, who scored five quick points. But Lokomotiv quickly responded through young guard Vsevolod Ishchenko, who nearly single-handedly erased the deficit. The return of Melo Trimble and Antonius Cleveland off the bench helped CSKA regain momentum, and they took the first quarter 23-18.
The second quarter saw Jeremaih Martin ignite Lokomotiv, first tying the game and then pushing the visitors ahead 34-32. CSKA’s team offense stalled, while Lokomotiv’s Vince Hunter and Alen Hadzibegovic dominated in the paint. Patrick Miller also contributed steadily. Samson Ruzhentsev carried CSKA, but they lost the quarter 20-24.
After halftime, both teams traded blows, with neither able to pull away. Ishchenko continued to score on drives and from deep, while Hadzibegovic controlled the paint. Nikita Kurbanov sparked CSKA with two three-pointers and a powerful dunk, and Cleveland added points from various spots. CSKA took the third quarter 22-20. Ruzhentsev and Cleveland stayed hot in the final period, giving CSKA a 70-65 lead. But Lokomotiv fought back through Miller, Martin, and Hadzibegovic to go up 80-79.
With two minutes remaining, CSKA built a three-point lead at 83-80. Lokomotiv’s Michael Moore hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 83-83, forcing overtime. In the extra period, Lokomotiv surged ahead 91-83 thanks to Martin, Hadzibegovic, and Ishchenko. CSKA struggled offensively, and only a late three-pointer from Casper Ware ended a long scoring drought. Lokomotiv closed out the 97-88 overtime victory.
Player Stats Highlights
CSKA: Jean-Charles 15, Cleveland 14, Ruzhentsev 13, Kurbanov 12, Trimble 11, Mitrovic 8, Ukhov 7, Ware 3, Antonov 3, Astapkovich 2, Gankevich, Karpenko.
Lokomotiv-Kuban: Hadzibegovic 20, Ishchenko 19, Miller 17, Martin 13, Hunter 13, Moore 11, Temirov 4, Kosko, Kvitkovskikh, Sheyanov, Konovalov, Samoilenko.
X-Factor
Ishchenko and Hadzibegovic were the driving forces for Lokomotiv. Ishchenko’s energy and all-around game (19 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals) ignited his teammates, while Hadzibegovic posted a dominant double-double with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks, shooting 81.8% from the field. Miller (17 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals) and Hunter (13 points, 6 rebounds) also made crucial contributions. Lokomotiv moved the ball exceptionally well and shot an incredible 67.4% from two-point range, repeatedly finding openings in the paint.
Best and Worst
For CSKA, Kurbanov recorded a double-double (12 points, 11 rebounds) and battled hard on both ends, but fouled out early in overtime. Ruzhentsev (13 points, 5 rebounds) and Jean-Charles (15 points, 6 rebounds) also played well. However, the team’s top scorers, Trimble and Ware, struggled mightily. Trimble scored 11 points mostly from free throws but made only 1 of 15 field goals—his worst shooting performance of the season. Ware managed just 3 points on 1-of-9 shooting. Lokomotiv’s excellent help defense neutralized CSKA’s penetration.
Outlook
The game was a classic playoff battle, with both teams deserving of the win. Lokomotiv’s defense and offense remained sharp in overtime, while CSKA’s attack inexplicably stalled. The series is best of seven, so CSKA will need adjustments from coach Andreas Pistiolis, who was named Coach of the Year in the VTB League. Lokomotiv’s Tomislav Tomovic will also look to maintain momentum. Game 2 in Moscow is crucial for CSKA to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole.