By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Eleven players scoring in double figures, a thriller-like conclusion and highly prolific offenses with both teams combinining for 26 3-pointers. Game 1 of the VTB League semifinals had everything a basketball fan could’ve wanted but, naturally only one winner.
CSKA Moscow defeated Lokomotiv Kuban 101 – 95 and made the 1 – 0 in the best-of-five series behind 20 points and seven assists by Nando De Colo.
The French combo guard was also the one to more or less seal the final outcome since he went 2/2 from the line with the score 97 – 95 and few seconds remaining.
Mardy Collins (21 points) had previously dropped five consecutive points to make it 97 – 94 from with 48 seconds left. Matt Janning (21 points, 4 assists) then made 1/2 free throws allowing the defending champs the distance they needed to prevail.
Vitaly Fridzon (13 points), James Augustine (13 points), Milos Teodosic (12 points, 6 assists), Cory Higgins (12 points) and Aaron Jackson (11 points) were also key contributors for CSKA.
For the visiting squad, Taylor Rochestie added 17 points plus 5 assists.