CSKA Moscow downs Panathinaikos in friendly

 With the FIBA EuroBasket 2017 now in the rearview mirror, players return to their respective professional teams and set their sights on the upcoming season. The preseason is filled with various small cups and other friendly warm-up games as teams fine-tune their preparations for 2017-18.  One such friendly that recently took place the other day was between a couple of Europe’s top teams. Russia’s CSKA Moscow and Greece’s Panathinaikos Athens squared off and it was the Russian Juggernaut that would prevail 60-68. Both clubs are fierce competitors in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, which is set to tip-off the season on October 12th.

Panathinaikos Athens vs. CSKA Moscow, 60-68

CSKA is making adjustments as they enter an era without Milos Teodosic, who signed with the Los Angeles Clippers this summer. While the Serbian guard’s unique talents will clearly be irreplaceable, the team has added some fresh pieces to their roster and maintain a positive outlook for the season ahead.

This win is a good sign for them especially considering that it was against a tough European club, albeit in a friendly game.

Kyle Hines stepped up for CSKA Moscow and led the team with 17 points and seven rebounds. The game was not originally as close as the final score would suggest. CSKA Moscow would be in the driver’s seat after coming out with their guns blazing in the first half. They managed to set up an impressive 26-45 lead.

The second half would show the Athenian club’s resolve as they slowly chipped away at the lead. Their defense came into play and limited CSKA Moscow to just 11 points in the fourth quarter. Their epic comeback attempt would fall short in the end and their Russian guests walk away with the win.