By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The new Euroleague champions turned their attention to the VTB League semifinals with the appropriate focus to begin with a win. Thanks to an exceptional fourth period, CSKA Moscow beat Khimki Moscow 86 – 83 and made the 1-0 in the series.
Even though coach Itoudis’ players were looking at the backs of their opponents in the second and third period, they unleashed the full strength of their offense in the last quarter to turn the 59 – 64 into 78 – 71 and set themselves on the path to victory.
Milos Teodosic (27 points and 7 assists) and Vitaly Fridzon (8 points, all of them in the last quarter) were of great improtance to CSKA in that period since they constantly scored and created for each other. The latter also made the basket that sealed the final score in the last seconds.
After losing their lead, Khimki tried to reclaim it, but some crucial turnovers didn’t allow them to finish the job. Alexey Shved had a superb game with 32 points and 4 assists.