CSKA Moscow controlled the game against Baskonia for three quarters, before the EuroLeague giant survived an epic fourth-quarter comeback by the Spaniards to claim an 89-86 victory.
The highlight of the game certainly was Darrun Hilliard, who put up a monster performance taking the role of Mike James, who was absent from the game.
Hilliard scored a career-high 31 points shooting an incredible 13-16 from the field. Itoudis’ team took a 12-point (47-35) lead in the half mainly because of Hilliard’s heroics.
Baskonia came back in the fourth quarter, but could not close out the game, as Hilliard hit an important three with 23 seconds remaining in regulation to put CSKA in front (87-84).
Daniel Hackett added 16 for the winning side, while Will Clyburn had 12 including a very important basket in the final minute.
Youssoupha Fall had a team-high 19 points and eight rebounds for Baskonia, who dropped to 2-4 record.
CSKA improved to a 5-3 record.
