CSKA Moscow takes VTB League title advantage

CSKA Moscow has taken early charge of the VTB League finals series with a 94-88 home win over Khimki Moscow Region in Game 1.

The Army Men have had a lot freer days to prepare for this series, while Khimki came through a gruelling semi-final against Zenit St. Petersburg, claiming a 3-2 win in the decider. The challenge facing Khimki was highlighted on Thursday as CSKA looked formidable in Game 1 as the club chases its sixth consecutive VTB League title.

However, Khimki was the last team to stop CSKA Moscow winning the competition, claiming the title in 2011 when the format was a single game final. Since changing to a best-of-five, CSKA has dropped just two games and won 12.

The reigning champs took the early lead in Game 1 and moved to an 18-13 first quarter lead. In the second frame, the hosts went on an offensive blitz with 33 points. Khimki was scoring well too, but the team’s 25 points could not match the red-hot champs. At halftime, the score was 51-38.

CSKA Moscow settled the game in an excellent third act, using a huge 27-13 haul to make it 78-51 through thirty minutes. Khimki restored pride as the Army Men relaxed, the visitors drained 37 points in an enthralling fourth quarter. However, even that rally did little to trouble the final score.

Nando De Colo led the win with 21 points, while Kyle Hines and Semen Antonov scored 16 points apiece.

Alexey Shved topped the losing effort with 18 points, followed by Earl Rowland and Vyacheslav Zaytsev with 15 points each.