The second step was even louder

Staying focused on defense and improving the offense, CSKA won the second home game in the series against Partizan, a win shy of the Final Four.

CSKA vs. Partizan: 77-50

Ettore Messina, CSKA head coach:

“We played good and solid game from minute one. It was important that we were able to stay concentrated on defense and at the same time improved our offense – with better ball movement and higher shooting percentage. But the win means only that we will play probable deciding game at home. Siskauskas played off the bench because I ask him before the series began if comfortable to do that. It was very important for us to stay with Khryapa as the starting small forward. Victor helps us to deal with Partizan big men who make the team from Belgrade the better rebounding team in Euroleague, and Khryapa also helps us with defense and passing. And Siskauskas scored a number of baskets today when his teammates couldn’t score. Holden did not score a point today but I am absolutely satisfied with his play, because he controlled the tempo of the game and shut down Tripkovic, the best scorer on the other team.”

Dusko Vujosevic, Partizan head coach:

“My congratulations to CSKA. I hope in Belgrade we will be able to make this series longer. CSKA is a great team with great coach, great reserves and we are still young. I respect CSKA and I think it will be still very difficult for us to win at home, but I hope we will have more confidence and our fans will help us.”