By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Alexey Shved scored 21 points and dished out 10 assists while Nikola Milutinov produced a monster double-double (20 points, 19 rebounds) as CSKA Moscow beat Lokomotiv Kuban 94 – 84 in Krasnodar in Game 4 of the VTB League semifinals to win the series 3-1. The reigning champions advanced to the knockout championship game and are waiting to find out who between Zenit St. Petersburg and Unics Kazan (currently 2-1 for Zenit) they will face.
Errick McCollum had 34 points plus five rebounds for Lokomotiv and was the one to lead a comeback effort by the hosts in the fourth period. After trailing 63 – 76 in the third period, the Krasnodar side made a 14 – 5 run in five minutes of the fourth period to approach 77 – 81. CSKA had a strong response and went once again up by double figures, 91 – 79.
Loko tried to make their last stand and cut the deficit to 91 – 84 with a minute to play but Casper Ware then made a 3-pointer that sealed CSKA’s win.
Will Clyburn added 21 points plus eight rebounds to help CSKA get the win. Johnathan Motley had 15 points and five boards for Loko.
Zenit made the 2-1 by beating Unics 67 – 68 on the road Wednesday (11/5) thanks to a game-winner by Jordan Loyd. Before the match, Unics forward Mario Hezonja was officially named MVP of the season.