CSKA wins Game 1 in the semi-final series against Zenit

In a packed gym, CSKA Moscow beat Zenit on the road in the VTB League semi-finals Game 1 with 78:73.

From the get-go, CSKA pushed the ball and forced an up-tempo game. CSKA aggressively attacked the rim and hustled under the basket. It resulted in six offensive rebounds and seven second-chance points midway through the first 10 minutes.

Zenit’s answer was scoring three-pointers. Notably by Kevin Pangos and Will Thomas.

Somehow Zenit managed to stay within range of CSKA and only trailed two points at halftime (40-42).

The constant pressure from CSKA started to wear Zenit down, and by the end of the third quarter, they were trailing by seven points (56-63).

For most of the final stretch, CSKA controlled the game and ultimately won the first game of the series. Mainly by grabbing 16 more rebounds than Zenit.