By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
In the highly intense clash between two of Europe’s powerhouses, Real Madrid managed to prevail over CSKA Moscow 95-85. This marks the 11th win in 16 games for the Spanish team, while it’s the Russians’ 4th loss in the competition.
Sergio Llull was the leader for the hosts once again with 24 points and 6 assists, while Jonas Maciulis, who was incredible in the first half, finished the game with 20 points.
For CSKA, Nando De Colo scored 18 points and Milos Teodosic added 13.
Llull gave Real a 7-point lead midway the first period, 21-14, though CSKA covered the difference after the first 10 minutes and led with one point, 23-24.
With Maciulis giving pace, the hosts kept a safe distance from the reigning Euroleague champions, yet Dmitry Kulagin trimmed the deficit with a clutch 3-pointer by the end of the second period, sending Real to the lockers with a brief 50-46 lead.
A long distance shot by De Colo at 24′ tied the game at 60 points and more ties followed in the third period, until Pablo Laso’s team pulled off a 6-point advantage with Hunter, which was later reduced to 74-70 after 30 minutes.
The game’s rhythm intensified in the final period, with the hosts being in control, yet Dimitris Itoudis’ team following close. Kurbanov made it a 2-point game (87-85) at 36′, then Llull pulled his team through and gave a short breather to the hosts.