It Was a Tough Game

CSKA head coach Dusan Ivkovic:

"It was an up-and-down game. After six games in the Russian League, we faced the team that is probably playing the best in the Italian League, but we managed to control the game well, with only 8 turnovers. The most difficult part of the game for us was 5 minutes into the third quarter, when we were outscored by 11 points. It was very warm on the floor and that forced us to play most all of our bench players. We got great contributions from our young players, Khryapa and Monya, who shot better than 80 percent from the floor, and they defended extremely well. It was a tough game and I congratulate our players on the win."


Montepaschi head coach Carlo Recalcati:

"We played an excellent game for 38 minutes. We knew that CSKA was one of the best teams in the Euroleague and a contender for the Final Four, and we were prepared to play them. But in the final 2 minutes, the game got away from us, and so I can’t say I am satisfied with this game. I am only satisfied with the 38 minutes."