CSKA wins vs. Zalgiris in VTB United League opener 0

First season of VTB United League has started!

The greatest interest in tournament, of course, was game in Moscow CSKA – Zalgiris – one of the main favorites of the tournament and teams with great history, confrontation of which became classic of basketball from times of USSR Championship. New game of old acquaintances – now within frames of VTB United League – preceded solemn and touching opening ceremony. The very direct participation in it was by legendary players of both clubs – Arvydas Sabonis and Vladimir Tkachenko. Great post players and ex opponents took part in symbolic jump ball.

Nobody wanted to lose this game and opponents started to demonstrate this from first seconds. However, home gym factor and more stars in list of players obliged CSKA to be leaders After half of the game CSKA went to the locker room with 6 points ahead (44:38). Although in third quarter Zalgiris showed its character again by going forward, however, Zoran Planinic’s incredible three point shot from the center circle together with horn gave inspired CSKA. In the fourth quarter CSKA led by new head coach Evgeniy Pashutin increased its success by winning 90:74.

Zalgiris: Kalnietis 18, Salenga 18, Watson 14 (14 rebounds), Brown 9, Begic 6, Klimavicius 4, Pocius 3, Cukinas 2, Janavicius 0, Juskevicius 0.

CSKA: Vorontsevic 16, Planinic 15, Siskauskas 11.