VTB League: Khimki forces Game 4 from Zenit
It has been a busy start to the week in the VTB League as the semi-final stage is in full swing. After picking up victories in Game 1 on the weekend, CSKA Moscow and Zenit St. Petersburg doubled down on their advantage in Game 2. CSKA Moscow took out Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar at home and Zenit saw off Khimki Moscow Region in St. Petersburg.
Reigning champs CSKA will play for a place in the final on Wednesday. Before that, Zenit had the change to book its place in the title series on Tuesday, but Khimki looked dominant at home to send the series to Game 4.
Zenit St. Petersburg vs. Khimki Moscow Region
Over the first two games of the series, Zenit did what it had to do and won its two home games. However, both of those contests were to the wire as Khimki pushed hard. This was evidenced in Game 2, which Zenit edged 92-89 for a 2-0 series lead. In other words, despite needing one win to reach the final, there was a suggestion Khimki was still in the series with home advantage coming up.
And so it proves in Game 3 as Khimki looked devastating at home. A cruising 97-73 win shows there is plenty of life in the series yet, and don’t bet against it going to a Game 5 decider in St. Petersburg. The hosts drained 30 points in the first quarter, making an early statement and securing a 9-point advantage.
26 more points followed in the second frame, but Zenit kept pace with 25 points for a 56-46 halftime deficit. Khimki regained the full swing of momentum with a 24-12 charge in the third act, a decisive run that made it 80-58 through thirty minutes and made the fourth period a formality.
CSKA Moscow vs. Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar
CSKA Moscow now has the chance to become the first club into the 2017 VTB League finals series, but will need to beat Lokomotiv in Krasnodar on Wednesday. Similar to the other series, Lokomotiv has shown enough in Moscow to suggest it has a chance to remain in the hunt this season. However, defending five-time champions CSKA has the game to claim the series on the road.
In Game 2 on Monday, the Army Men stayed consistent at the bucket to make sure of the win. Nevertheless, the score board read 63-57 and it was anybody’s game. However, CSKA surged in the fourth act with a 21-14 run that settled the game.
It is worth remembering that CSKA Moscow slipped in the EuroLeague Final Four and success in the VTB League is essential to avoid a season of failure. Not winning the league would be unthinkable considering how good the team has been this season. The pressure is certainly on, but the Army Men have the ability to deliver.