CSKA Moscow, Russia vs. VEF Riga, Latvia

CSKA defeated VEF at home, 101-93. Riga acquitted itself well against the reigning champs, but the Army Men ultimately came out on top. With the win, CSKA clinches the top record in the regular season and home-court advantage throughout the postseason.

Intro
Riga had won four of five entering Sunday's contest in Moscow, while the Army Men boasted a 7-0 record all-time vs. the Latvians. CSKA was also looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat in the Euroleague to Bamberg.

CSKA's defense smothered VEF in the opening period, but the visitors hung around thanks to a big edge on the offensive glass, pulling down a total of 16 in the first half. Despite shooting 73% from inside the arc and 46% from outside, CSKA only led by 10, 51-41, at halftime.

There wasn't much movement in the 3rd quarter. The Red-Blues kept the visitors at arm's length, securing a 71-60 advantage entering the final period.

Turning Point
VEF kept battling in the 4th quarter, trailing by 8-10 points much of the period. CSKA, however, never let the Latvians get any closer. With 2:50 to play, Nando De Colo converted a three-point play to stretch the lead to 11. A minute later, the French guard did it again, making it a 14-point game and clinching victory for the home team.

CSKA's 26th win guarantees a 1st-place finish in the regular season thanks to holding the tiebreaker over 2nd-place UNICS.

Star Player
Nando De Colo. VEF tested CSKA, forcing De Colo to play his best. The French playmaker finished with an impressive 25 points and six assists in the win.

Stat of the Game
8 - number of rebounds pulled down by Nikita Kurbanov in the 2nd quarter.

Snapshot