Real Madrid came back from a 10-point deficit in the first quarter and beat CSKA Moscow (83-92) to qualify to the Championship Game. The “Whites” were unstoppable offensively and will now play their second Championship Game in the last four years.
For the winners, four players scored in double figures, with Luka Doncic having 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists and Gustavo Ayon making a double-double (12 points, 11 rebounds). The Madrid squad also hit 12 three-pointers, which was the X-Factor in the game.
For the losing squad, Nando De Colo was the top scorer with 20 points, Kyle Hines and Will Clyburn added 16 each, with Cory Higgins having 15 points. The Muscovites fail to reach the Final for a second year in a row.
CSKA Moscow took control of the game from the beginning and executed very well offensively, ending the first quarter in front by 10 (30-20). Cory Higgins was the main offensive weapon, with 10 points.
Later, Real Madrid responded and went on a 21-10 run to take the lead (40-41). Since then, no team could take a significant advantage and the first half ended with the “Whites” in front by just one (46-47), thanks to Trey Thompkins’ two-pointer at the buzzer. The Madrid squad outscored the Muscovites 16-27 in the second quarter.
In the second half, it was a close game between the two teams (51-51), but Real went on a 9-0 run to regain the lead (51-60). The third quarter ended with the Spaniards having a seven-point advantage (56-63).
In the fourth quarter, CSKA tried to react (61-64), but the “Whites” scored consecutive three-pointers to take a double-digit lead (61-73).
The “Bear” came back again and cut the deficit to three points (73-76), with five minutes to go, but Real stood tall and retained the lead (75-83). CSKA couldn’t turn things around and, consequently, the Spaniards emerged victorious (83-92) and will now fight for the title against the defending champions, Fenerbahce.
