VTB Finals: CSKA Moscow close to another title

Friday night action in the VTB Finals saw CSKA Moscow inch towards another title.

CSKA rallied past Khimki at home in Game 2 (103-92), coming one step away from the title (2-0).

The “Bear” made a great start (19-4) and ended the first half in front by 18 (55-37).

Yet, Khimki attempted to turn things around after that. The visitors cut the deficit to nine points multiple times in the second half (64-55, 80-71, 101-92). Yet, they could not come any closer and were defeated.

Khimki played without two of its key players, Alexey Shved and Janis Timma, due to injuries. Both players will miss the rest of the VTB Finals.

Four players scored in double figures for CSKA, with Sergio Rodriguez having a team-high 16 points. On the other hand, Tony Crocker had a game-high 26 points for the losing squad.

The series now moves to the home-court of Khimki. Game 3 of the VTB Finals will take place on Monday (10/06).

If CSKA wins, they will sweep the series and earn the title. If Khimki wins, though, they will remain alive and force a Game 4.

Playoff action was also in full force in many of the top European Leagues.

In Spain, Barcelona kicked off the ACB playoffs semi-finals in style. They decimated Zaragoza at home (101-59) and earned the lead (1-0).

The “Blaugrana” played excellent on both ends and never looked back. They led from start to finish and cruised to an easy victory. For their part, the visitors never threatened in the game.

Kyle Kuric led the winners with a game-high 25 points. On the other hand, no player of the losing squad scored in double figures.

Game 2 will be played on Sunday (09/06).

In France, Villeurbanne crushed Nanterre on the road (56-99) and swept the semi-finals series (3-0). Consequently, they qualified for the French League Finals, where they will face Monaco.

In Serbia, Partizan dominated FMP Zeleznik in Game 3 of the Serbian League semi-finals (97-59). As a result, they won the series (2-1) and advanced to the Finals, where they will face rivals Crvena Zvezda.

Game 1 will take place on Monday (10/06).