Basketball: CSKA begin title defence with a win
Published 19 October, 2008, 00:19
Last season’s champions CSKA Moscow have begun their hunt for a 7th consecutive title in the new Russian Basketball Superleague season with a win, thrashing Ural Great Perm in their opening match.
The Perm side were the surprise package last season, finishing the campaign in fourth place. They were looking to upset the favourites at the beginning of the new season. And they showed they didn't fear Ettore Messina's men early on, Ralph Biggs keeping his side in the game.
Fyodor Likholitov even put the visitors in front with a two-handed dunk late in the first period.
In the second quarter though the Muscovites showed who was playing at home. 2008 NCAA champion Sasha Kaun getting his first points in a CSKA jersey.
And the hosts finished the half with 48-41 lead.
The European champions started to dominate after half-time. Another newcomer, Terrence Morris, intercepting the ball before getting on the end of Trajan Langdon's assist.
And Ramunas Shishkauskas’ two-pointer saw his side leading by 15 going into the final quarter.
CSKA then only kept increasing their lead, Aleksey Shved setting the final score from the free throw-line.
It finished 100-72 – a comfortable win for CSKA, and they will hope to take this good form into Euroleague.
The army men start their European title defence on Wednesday.
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