By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
David Blatt’s Dogus Darussafaka became the first team to beat CSKA Moscow this season, after prevailing in Istanbul over the defending champs with 91-83.
Thanks to Will Clyburn who had 14 points, five of them in the last minute, James Anderson who scored 20 and Bradley Wanamaker who added 18 points, 7 assists and 4 steals, the Turkish club got its third win in row against the team which everyone wants to beat. For the other side Nando De Colo (17 p., 7 as. 8 turnovers), Milos Teodosic (15 p., 10 as.) and Cory Higgins with 17 points could not save the day.
The hosts dominated the first half, got a 30-18 lead after the first period, created even a 16 points distance (45-29) and went to the locker rooms with a 49-37 advantage. Anderson with 17 points in 14 minutes and 4/6 threes was the key to that and Wanamaker added 11 points with 2/2 threes.
The reaction of CSKA Moscow did not happen in the third period, which concluded with Darussafaka still leading 73-57. However the story of the last period was different. With a 11-2 run in the first four minutes, CSKA cut the lead of the hosts to 7 points (75-68) and entered the last three minutes trailing by four points (83-79) after a shot by Higgins. Teodosic made it a two-points game (83-81), De Colo push CSKA ever closer (84-83) and everything could happen.
Still, the hosts and to be exact Clyburn who made two free throws and the biggest three of the game to make the score 89-83 had the last word. CSKA couldn’t steal the win and Darussafaka concluded its feat.