No second chance for Neptunas vs. CSKA 24 march 2014
VTB United League
CSKA (Russia) defeated Neptunas (Lithuania) on the road, 87-64, in Week 18 of the regular season. The Army Men began the game on an 8-0 run and just kept the momentum rolling to deny Neptunas, who took the defending champions to overtime in December, any chance at an upset. With the victory, Moscow finishes the regular season with a 16-2 record and takes 2nd place in Group B.
Intro
Alexander Kaun dominated the early going. The center controlled both ends of the court and CSKA led, 8-0. The Army Men didn't show any signs of weakness in the opening period with an impressive performance on defense, giving up just seven points while scoring 19.
In the second period, the Lithuanians found some inner reserves and picked it up on offense, but that wasn't enough to shift the momentum in the game. The Red and Blue mixed fast breaks with half-court offense, securing a 16-point lead by halftime.
Nothing changed in the third quarter. CSKA maintained its concentration and pulled all the strings. The Army Men made sure to keep the Lithuanians at a distance of 13-16 points and held a 66-51 advantage entering the final 10 minutes.
Turning Point
CSKA finished the game off in style, upping its defensive pressure to knock Neptunas out for good. Iron defense shut down the opposition, which just didn't have what it needed to give the defending champs a fight. Winners by 23 points, Ettore Messina's men secure their 16th win of the season and finish in 2nd place in Group B.
Star of the Game
Alexander Kaun. The center spent less than 17 minutes on the court, but he used his time very efficiently. Kaun scored a game-high 17 points, while also drawing seven fouls. Sasha was just unstoppable tonight.
Stat of the Game
34 — number of Neptunas' 3-point field-goal attempts, with just 27 from inside the arc. But a 26% conversion rate from downtown did the home team no favors.
Top Performers
Neptunas: Valdas Vasylius — 15 points, six rebounds; Marius Runkauskas — 12 points; Edgaras Ulanovas — 11 points, seven rebounds; Rolandas Jakstas — seven points, five rebounds.
CSKA: Alexander Kaun — 17 points, six rebounds; Nenad Krstic — 16 points; Kyle Hines — 10 points, seven rebounds; Vitaly Fridzon — 10 points; Sonny Weems — six points, 10 assists.
Alexander Kaun dominated the early going. The center controlled both ends of the court and CSKA led, 8-0. The Army Men didn't show any signs of weakness in the opening period with an impressive performance on defense, giving up just seven points while scoring 19.
In the second period, the Lithuanians found some inner reserves and picked it up on offense, but that wasn't enough to shift the momentum in the game. The Red and Blue mixed fast breaks with half-court offense, securing a 16-point lead by halftime.
Nothing changed in the third quarter. CSKA maintained its concentration and pulled all the strings. The Army Men made sure to keep the Lithuanians at a distance of 13-16 points and held a 66-51 advantage entering the final 10 minutes.
Turning Point
CSKA finished the game off in style, upping its defensive pressure to knock Neptunas out for good. Iron defense shut down the opposition, which just didn't have what it needed to give the defending champs a fight. Winners by 23 points, Ettore Messina's men secure their 16th win of the season and finish in 2nd place in Group B.
Star of the Game
Alexander Kaun. The center spent less than 17 minutes on the court, but he used his time very efficiently. Kaun scored a game-high 17 points, while also drawing seven fouls. Sasha was just unstoppable tonight.
Stat of the Game
34 — number of Neptunas' 3-point field-goal attempts, with just 27 from inside the arc. But a 26% conversion rate from downtown did the home team no favors.
Top Performers
Neptunas: Valdas Vasylius — 15 points, six rebounds; Marius Runkauskas — 12 points; Edgaras Ulanovas — 11 points, seven rebounds; Rolandas Jakstas — seven points, five rebounds.
CSKA: Alexander Kaun — 17 points, six rebounds; Nenad Krstic — 16 points; Kyle Hines — 10 points, seven rebounds; Vitaly Fridzon — 10 points; Sonny Weems — six points, 10 assists.
Source
http://www.vtb-league.com/en/news/no-second-chance-for-ne...
