This quarterfinal game could easily become the last home match in Euroleague for Army club this season. So full stands of Universal Sport Hall CSKA weren't a surprise. CSKA made some unexpected scoreless stops, but finally found needed skills to win. Army men are now leading in series 1-0.
CSKA vs. Efes Pilsen: 66-57
• JR Holden scored his 1500th point in Euroleague
• Matjaz Smodis scored his 200th point in Euroleage-05/06
• Matjaz Smodis nearly made double-double (11 points+9 rebounds)
Ettore Messina, CSKA head coach:
- The game was a tough one for us. Efes Pilsen played some good defense and we had some good moments in the 1st and the 3rd quarter but in two other quarters our offence was predictable that caused the troubles we had in the game and that is the point we should try to change before the second game. On the other hand we were performed well in the defense and had some advantage in the rebounding that really helped us in the end of the game. But anyway I am happy with the win as every time in the first game of the series both teams are under the big pressure.
Oktay Mahmuti, Efes Pilsen head coach:
- I want to congratulate CSKA on the win. The rival was leading for almost all the game long. And it was really tough for my team. In the last quarter we tried to catch the game but after 2 or 3 scoreless possessions we missed an easy lay up of CSKA. The ball hurt us a lot. I think actually in was the key of the game. Also the rival got some advantage at the rebounding.
VTB Teams:
League&Tournament:
