By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The powerhouse from Moscow, the team which was build to win the Euroleague title, will be in the Final Four after beating Panathinaikos (74-44) in Game 5 of the play offs. CSKA got its way in a low scoring game and a disastrous night for the Greens.
The first half ended with the hosts having a 35-21 advantage, the lowest ever offensive output in the history of Panathinaikos’ European competitions games. The Greek champions throughout their season survived thanks to their defense, but against CSKA their dysfunctional offense was the main issue. On the other hand, Sasha Kaun was unstoppable. He finished the game with 18 points and 9 rebounds, while for one more game the leader of the Greeks, Dimitris Diamantidis, couldn’t get past the Russian defense and couldn’t score a single point. CSKA will have the chance to return to the top of Europe for the first time since 2008. For Panathinaikos, 44 points is the worst scoring total ever in a European competitions games. Τhe previous one was 51 points from Game 2 of the same series.
After the defeat coach Alvertis admitted: “After a great effort by the team in Athens, tonight from minute one, we felt empty. Our European season is finished and we have to concentrate on the Greek League”. Coach Messina, of course, is thinking already the Final Four: “It was a great win obviously. First, I’d like to say that it was a great series against a great opponent. This rookie coach did everything to make our life difficult these two weeks. Second, I’d like to thank the players. We are having a difficult season. We never had a breath of easy life, we played all the most difficult opponents with the exception of Olympiacos. And today the players showed patience, played great defense, they chose all the options needed on offense, made the right decisions. Third, I’d like to thank the club and especially our president, Andrey Vatutin. He was close to us all this week, he showed his support and found all the right words for everyone. Fourth, a big, big thanks to all our fans. I remember that in difficult times, when we played Games 3 against Maccabi and Olympiacos in the past, they showed the same support. We are happy to have them behind our backs at these difficult moments. And I know they will be felt in Milan. Fifth, some words about my staff. I am very fortunate to have this fantastic staff around me here. This is one of big factors which makes me feel happy here at CSKA. Hopefully we will be able to do good job at the Final Four. Finally, I’d like to say that to get to the Final Four is a big deal this season. There were many more teams than usual who deserve to be in the Final Four this year. Many more than in any other edition of the Euroleague in past years. And one more thing. It was great to have Teo back today. He provided big help to us. Hopefully we will be able to stay healthy before coming to Milan”.