CSKA vs. Efes Pilsen: 78-69
It should be mentioned that during intermission CSKA fan won two tickets to Istanbul from Euroleague title sponsor Turkish Airlines. Besides CSKA together with UNICEF collected money for the children in difficult living situations selling the postcards with players' autographs inside the arena.
Dmitry Shakulin, CSKA interim coach:
I had an interview today before the game. And I was asked what kind of New Year gift I’d like to receive. I am a cautious person, so I was just thinking that I’d like to defeat Efes after the win over Khimki. I’d like to prove that the quality of the game we demonstrate is not accidental and the wins are just a matter of time. I am glad that we defeated the Top 16 team. Despite the absence of injured big players and that we lost the rebounding battle, we made 17 assists and we won. Unfortunately, it is late to change something in the standings. But our potential is high. I’d like to congratulate everyone with the upcoming holidays! And my biggest wish is good health to everyone. Good luck to Efes Pilsen in the Top 16!
Velimir Perasovic, Efes Pilsen head coach:
The beginning of the game was bad, we started with soft defense, CSKA got 15-point advantage and all the game we were trying to catch them. We came as close as 6 points late in the game and missed an easy layup and that was probably our last opportunity to brake the game flow. CSKA was better tonight. Now we have to think how we will play in the second round, but tonight we played good sometimes and bad sometimes. I can’t be happy after the game like this.
