United League President Sergey Kushchenko weighed in on the opening game of the playoff semifinal series between CSKA Moscow and Lokomotiv Kuban, which ended 97-88 in overtime. According to the official, the team from Krasnodar appeared sharper, more energetic, and physically stronger, while CSKA lacked a leader in the crucial moments.
CSKA Moscow vs. Lokomotiv Kuban — 88:97 (OT)
Semifinal, Game 1
CSKA: Jean-Charles (15), Cleveland (14), Ruzhentsev (13), Kurbanov (12), Trimble (11), Mitrovic (8), Ukhov (7), Ware (3), Antonov (3), Astapkovich (2), Gankevich, Karpenko
Lokomotiv Kuban: Hadzhibegovic (20), Ishchenko (19), Miller (17), Martin (13), Hunter (13), Moore (11), Temirov (4), Kosko, Kvitkovskikh, Sheyanov, Konovalov, Samoilenko
“The first games of the semifinal series brought back high-quality basketball with plenty of contact and effort. What stands out is that the teams approached the playoffs in different physical conditions. Today, the Kuban team looked much more dynamic, fitter, and more powerful than CSKA. There was a lot of contact — both teams were playing on the edge. The defense was tight and active, with constant switches, but Krasnodar played more disciplined in defense.
Both teams swept their quarterfinal series 3-0, but their preparation must have differed. CSKA is known for its backcourt, but today it didn’t deliver, and their offense stalled in the final minutes and overtime. The Army team lacked a go-to leader to take charge, like Melo or Casper used to. Today, neither stepped up. Also, it’s clear that Hadzhibegovic provides serious help for Loko in the paint,” Kushchenko told Championat correspondent Arina Ershova.