CSKA – Virtus Bologna: 82-64

CSKA – Virtus Bologna: 82-64 (26-22, 20-20, 25-10, 11-12)

CSKA: Andersen (16 + 6 reb + 2 st), Langdon (15 + 3 reb + 3 as + 3 st), Shabalkin (13 + 2 reb + 2 st), Bashminov (12 + 6 reb), Zavoruev (9 + 3 as), Kurbanov (8), Lamma (4 + 6 as), Panov (3), Vyaltsev (2 + 3 reb + 3 as).

The whole CSKA starting line – Andersen, Langdon, Vyaltsev, Kurbanov, Panov – was already sitting on the bench towards the end of the first quarter, only Vyaltsev was the exception. Using different playing combinations brings benefits – our youngsters look much more confident, comparing with 1,5 week ago trainings.

Virtus began feeling angry just in the middle of the second quarter. Unlike they did in the more or less quiet first period, the Army men started playing serious defense. Every successful shot was a true feat for Italians, but the end of the first half was, however, ours: 46-42, but the last three points were collected during the last three seconds.

Just as in the previous game against Bennetton, CSKA spent most part of the second half building-up advantage and playing careful on the defensive end. Score changes of the third quarter can show that in the best way: 54-45, 64-47 and, finally, 71-51 towards the end of the period. To be perfectly honest, Virtus tried to intercept initiative, but nothing global came out from this.

If it was an official match, it would be possible to say that the last quarter turned out to be a mere formality. However friendlies are held to make the most of every playing minute not depending on the score. So CSKA head coach Ettore Messina continued making experiments with his squad trying to arrive at the best solution.

Right after the match CSKA went to Livorno, where the team will play next friendly game versus the local basketball club, which was eleventh in Seria A last year standings.