“We go to Astana to show the same serious approach as we did in the first two games of the series,” CSKA head coach Dimitris Itoudis said. “We are up 2-0 but we need another victory to qualify to the semifinals of the VTB League playoffs. Astana plays much better at home, besides we expect some additions to their roster. So we have to be concentrated and motivated to get the result we need.”
It should be reminded that the opponents did not have Pat Calathes, Nik Caner-Medley, Luksa Andric and J’Covan Brown in the games in Moscow. The Army Men missed Vitaly Fridzon, Andrey Kirilenko and Demetris Nichols. All three of them did not travel to Astana.
Past matchups
Wins/losses: 6-0
2013-14 – VTB United League. Regular season: CSKA – Astana: 72-54 (+18)
2013-14 – VTB United League. Regular season: Astana – CSKA: 69-88 (+19)
2014/15 – VTB United League. Regular season: CSKA – Astana: 89-63 (+26)
2014/15 – VTB United League. Regular season: Astana – CSKA: 60-78 (+18)
2014/15 – VTB United League. Quarterfinals. CSKA – Astana: 103-58 (+45)
2014/15 – VTB United League. Quarterfinals. CSKA – Astana: 110-60 (+50)
Short dossier
BC Astana, Kazakhstan
Founded: 2000
Colors: yellow, blue
Homecourt: SC Velotrack/Saryarka (9.270)
President: Valery Tikhonenko
Head coach: Ramunas Butautas
Website: www.bcastana.kz
Accomplishments: 9-time Kazakhstan champion (2005, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 12, 13, 14), 5-time Kazakhstan Cup winner (2008, 11, 12, 13, 14)
