CSKA Moscow qualifies for the EuroLeague Final Four
Friday’s action in the EuroLeague saw CSKA Moscow overpower Baskonia and advance to the 2019 Euroleague Final Four.
The Muscovites came back from a double-digit deficit and rallied past the Basques at the Fernando Buesa Arena (83-92). Consequently, they won the series (3-1) and clinched their spot to the Final Four.
Baskonia was in front until the end of the third quarter. They led by double digits multiple times during the game (46-35, 50-39, 55-45, 61-51, 68-58), but CSKA turned things around.
The Muscovites went on a 3-10 run and cut the deficit to three after 30 minutes in the game (71-68). In the final quarter, the Russian visitors were simply unstoppable.
CSKA outscored Baskonia 12-24 to cruise to the victory and secure their place in another Final Four.
Nando De Colo had another tremendous performance for the winners, with a game-high 27 points (on 11/16 shooting). Cory Higgins and Nikita Kurbanov added 19 and 15 points, respectively.
Four players scored in double figures for the losing squad, with Vincent Poirier posting a team-high 21 points.
This will be the eighth straight Final Four appearance for CSKA Moscow and the 16th one in the last 17 years.
In the other match of the night, Barcelona stepped up in Game 4 and defeated Anadolu Efes at home (82-72). As a result, they evened the series and forced a Game 5 (2-2).
The Catalans saw the Turks take control and make a better start (15-22). Yet, they turned things around and closed the first half down by just two (36-38).
Barcelona had the momentum on their side and took over in the third quarter. Playing excellent both defensively and offensively, they outscored the visitors 27-12 and never looked back.
Barcelona earned a double-digit lead (63-50) and sealed the deal, as Anadolu Efes never threatened again. The “Blaugrana” conceded 34 points in the second half.
Four players scored in double figures for the winners, with Kyle Kuric posting a team-high 19 points.
Shane Larkin and Krunoslav Simon were the best players of the losing squad, with 20 and 17 points, respectively.
Game 5 will be played in Istanbul on Wednesday (01/05). The winner will win the series and will join Fenerbahce, CSKA Moscow and Real Madrid in the Final Four.