CSKA — Laboral Kutxa, 17 March 2016

CSKA vs. Laboral Kutxa Vitoria: 90-78 (+12)

CSKA: De Colo (19 + 4 rb), Teodosic (17 + 5 rb + 6 as + 3 to), Jackson (3), Korobkov (4), Freeland (2 + 10 rb), Vorontsevich (17 + 3 rb + 4 as), Higgins (18), Kurbanov (3 + 3 rb + 3 to), Hines (7 + 4 rb)…

Laboral Kutxa: James (8 + 4 as), Causeur (11), Planinic (4), Hanga (19 + 7 rb + 4 st + 2 bs + 3 to), Bourousis (10 + 9 rb + 5 pf), Blazic (4), Tillie (7 + 6 rb + 3 to), Adams (10 + 4 as), Bertans (5)…

We started well, we were convincing and decisive. We followed our plan and dominated in the first half, offensively and defensively. We allowed Laboral Kutxa, a talented team offensively, to score just 26 points. Still, we knew that they are able to get back to the game using their creative guards, Bourousis on the block, Bertans who can spread the floor. Laboral plays consistently this season and has all our respect. We did not defend well after the break, but we used Cory’s hot hand, then Nando took his turn. You cannot describe everything by the numbers. For example, Freeland made just 1 of 6 shots, but he had 10 rebounds and contained Bourousis. Milos missed some good shots, but he found open shots and created for his teammates. On the last possession Nando, who was hot in the end, had the ball but he waited patiently for Milos to come off the flare and found him for a good shot. My congratulations to the team. It was not easy to win in a nervous game against a very good opponent, and to win with the difference needed. I would like to thank our fans also. They supported us well throughout all the game, in good and bad moments, and helped us a lot.