By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
As we get towards the end of the regular season in the VTB League, the setting is starting to get clear. CSKA Moscow keeps reigning the first position after their final game ahead of the playoffs, though Unics can still make its way to the top and the next couple weeks are meant to be intense. At the same time, Kalev will have to hold on strong, as Enisey is only two wins away from the playoffs zone.
Without further ado, let’s dive into this past week’s action.
MVP
Dorell Wright, Lokomotiv Kuban
Lokomotiv’s veteran forward posted the biggest performance this past week in the league with 30 points against Astana on the road. 33-year-old Wright was nearly perfect with a 9-11 FG shooting, along with two rebounds and two assists across 28 minutes on the court. Loko seized one more important victory that keeps them in sight of the Top 4 teams of the campaign.
Unics on the chase of the first place
Unics Kazan held on for a narrow two-point win against visiting Zenit St. Petersburg in the game of the week, improving to a 19-4 record in the VTB League standings, thus opening the door to their first-ever regular season title. Maurice NDour made sure to seal the final result for the Kazan side while leading his team with 14 points. At this turn of the season, it looks like Unics simply can’t be stopped, no matter which opponent they face. Zenit pushed with a huge comeback to the game, though the hosts remained focused until the end.
CSKA signs off of the regular season in style
A few days ahead of its EuroLeague playoffs duties, CSKA Moscow finished the VTB League regular season with a comfortable victory at home against Astana. The Army Team finished in the first place with a 22-4 record, though they could still end up behind UNICS (18-4) due to their tiebreaker. Kyle Hines stepped up with an 18-point performance and total dominance around the paint.