It took three quarters to get going, but it was CSKA Moscow that held on when it mattered.
The Russian champions edged Barcelona 74-73 to finish the Euroleague season in third place ahead of the Catalan side, who despite owning the best record of 25-4 on arrival in London find themselves settling for fourth.
Two foul shots from Aaron Jackson cancelled a three-pointer from Juan Carlos Navarro to eventually secure victory. Marcelinho Huertas has a chance to win it, but saw his potentially game-winning shot hit the rim and come out.
“On the last play I ended up guarding Ante Tomic, who’s much taller than me, so I fought to stay between him and the basket, and I’m very happy it worked out,” Jackson said.
“This win is very important for us even if it’s not for the Euroleague title.”
Before the tense ending, CSKA had led 67-59 thanks to a bench technical on Barca’s bench with 5:09 left. The 2010 Euroleague champions tied the game at 70-70 through Papa Mbaye but they fell short.
Jackson had 13 points for the winners but CSKA Moscow were led by Victor Khryapa’s 16 points and four steals, helping the Russians despite a late Barcelona comeback.
Navarro led all scorers with 17 points for Barca, including five three-pointers in that haul.
“This was a game between two frustrated and disappointed teams as always happens in these third-place games,” CSKA coach Ettore Messina said. “But both teams competed in the game and they wanted to win.”
The game had the feel of a third place game; empty seats, starting line-ups changed, and a lethargic beginning. It took Barcelona six minutes to register a field goal, a three from Xavier Rabaseda making it 11-5.
CSKA, who started the stronger of the two teams early on lost their rhythm towards the end and were only up 15-12 after one quarter.
Weems intercepted a loose pass to slam home and extend CSKA’s lead, but Barcelona tied the game at 19-19 before a great baseline save from Vladimir Micov ended up with a bucket from Jackson inside.
The Liga Endesa side came back again and tied the game at 35-35 when the half-time buzzer sounded. Taking advantage of their free throw shooting and CSKA not going to the bucket enough to trouble Barca’s big men.
A 13-0 third quarter opening gave CSKA a 48-35 lead, broken by free throws from Marko Todorovic and a triple from Joe Ingles and as the period wore down, the Catalan side narrowed the gap again as a Navarro three gave Barcelona a fighting chance heading into the final quarter, Moscow had a 59-54 advantage but their opponents had a momentum going into the final ten minutes.
“We had a good attitude and courage and disposition today,” Barca coach Xavi Pascual said. “With Victor Sada injured, the team did its best. Jawai was also out, but we had a good heart and played with courage. The young players played well and we’re very happy with what they did.”
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