CSKA flew to Kaunas to meet Khimki

For just another game vs BC Khimki CSKA had to cross MKAD again. And to cross huge distance by Transaero charter flight this time. The battle of two best Russian clubs will take place in Kaunas, Lithuania tomorrow during Day 1 of the VTB Unified League Final Four.

It was too early to say goodbye to the legendary Sport Halle arena after CSKA lost to Zalgiris in VTB League regular season game. It appeared that fate scheduled two more visits to Kaunas for CSKA. The meeting of two old rivals from USSR championship days is not guaranteed this days – everything depends on the results of semifinals (Zalgiris will play vs UNICS in the second game of Day 1). But unavoidable will take place in two weeks in the Euroleague Top 16 Day 2.

CSKA will meet Khimki 4 times minimum this season, maximum – 14 times (second and third legs of the Russian Superleague, possible game in Russian Cup, series in Euroleague playoffs and Russian League playoffs finals). CSKA is ready for tomorrow game – if not for 100 percent but for 90 percent. Only injured Matjaz Smodis and Artem Zabelin stayed in Moscow. Ramunas Siskauskas who barely played in the game vs UNICS because of left wrist injury was practicing individually past days and most probably will play his usual role in the semifinal.

“This Final Four is the first tournament of the season where the teams will play for real, serious title, - CSKA head coach Evgeny Pashutin said. That’s why we will be focused. I am sure that Lithuanian fans who love basketball will create special atmosphere. The game vs Khimki promises to be very interesting. Our opponents demonstrate aggressive basketball, Spanish point guards Cabezaz and Lopez feel themselves very confident with Spanish National Team coach Sergio Scariolo at head, and they keep the highest tempo of the game. The meeting on our court showed that even big advantage in the first part of the game does not guarantee success, so we have to keep playing disciplined on both ends of the floor until the end.”