CSKA qualified to the semifinal

06.05.2004
Brown and Holden cut quarterfinal series to 3 games (photo M.Serbin)
Moscow army team has finished quarterfinal series of Russian play-off by today game in Rostov. The winner has become known only in the last quarter. Thanks brilliant defense and high effectiveness of duo Holden – Brown CSKA could break down the resistance of Rimas Girskis team.

Lokomotiv Rostov vs CSKA: 77-91

After two games in Moscow the quarterfinal series moved to Rostov. Despite of difference in class between these two teams it was really fight on the parquet. Dusan Ivkovic decided to not change ordinary starting five. But our powerful starting squad in the first half of the game could not do anything with hosts. The best sniper of Rostov team Igor Kudelin has confirmed his reputation. In the beginning his 2 3-pointers and result game of Zipachev presented their team early leadership: 12-5. After it Ivkovic substituted Turkcan who did not make any rebounds to Panov. Soon Khryapa with 3 misses and 2 fouls went to the bench too.

3 points of leadership after first quarter moved to +10 in the middle of the second: 39-29. Ivkovic continued to rotate squad, but could neither Monya nor Yudin neither Savrasenko nor Papaloukas could not change anything. CSKA could equalize score only in the middle of the third quarter (54-54) but not for a long time. But to the last rest Lokomotiv could return its leadership: 69-66.

Long-expected spurt of the army team took place only in the last quarter. How often Holden and Brown took the game to their hands: 18-2. Getting comfort leadership CSKA lead game to the win: 77-91.

In the evening our team is returning to Moscow. Tomorrow they will continue to prepare to the semifinal series against Dynamo Moscow.