CSKA vs. Khimki Moscow region: 75-65 (+10)
CSKA: Antonov (8 + 3 rb + 2 bs + 4 pf), Higgins (17 + 2 as), Hackett (13 + 7 as + 2 st), Kurbanov (8 + 3 rb + 2 as + 2 st + 4 pf), Hunter (4 + 5 rb + 2 as) – start; De Colo (7 + 4 rb + 2 as + 5 to), Bolomboy (DNP), Ukhov (0), Vorontsevich (2), Clyburn (10 + 9 rb + 3 as + 2 bs + 3 to), Kulagin (1), Hines (5 + 3 as + 2 st + 3 bs)…
Khimki: Bost (3 + 4 as + 3 st + 4 pf), Green (4 + 3 to), Zubkov (4 + 3 rb + 3 to), Jenkins (5 + 2 as + 3 st + 4 pf), Thomas (11 + 4 rb + 4 to + 4 pf) – start; Vyaltsev (DNP), Zaytsev (4 + 4 pf), Markovic (10 + 4 as + 4 to), Monya (DNP), Gubanov (0), Yakushin (DNP), Mickey (24 + 11 rb + 3 st)…
Dimitris Itoudis, CSKA head coach:
Congratulations to the players. This was an important win. In the 3rd quarter, we changed our mindset and went on a run. Khimki had a tough time shooting. We deflected their passes, forced 10 turnovers in the quarter and earned a double-digit lead. Plus, we had nine blocks in this game, not to mention Simon initiated it from the very beginning. He played great, especially considering it was difficult for him after missing the previous game. That’s evidence of his character and hard work. He proved with his play that he’s part of this team. This was a high-profile game against a good team, whom we forced to shoot a low percentage on 3-pointers, even though they excel in that area, and forced 21 turnovers.
