CSKA Finishes Sweep In Czech Republic

CSKA defeated Nymburk on the road, 102-87, in Game 3 of the playoff quarterfinals. The Army Men were a bit sluggish early, but a 21-0 run midway through the first half gave the visitors a commanding lead. CSKA went on to win, sweeping Nymburk 3-0 to become the first club to reach the semifinals.

Recap
Nymburk tested CSKA in Games 1 and 2 and hoped to break through at home in Game 3, buoyed by the Czech fans.

Early on, Ronen Ginzburg's club showed promise, leading 22-18 with less than three minutes to go in the 1st quarter. Seven different players scored for Nymburk in the period, but a 12-0 run from the visitors put CSKA firmly in control, 30-22.

CSKA kept rolling in the 2nd quarter. Nikita Kurbanov and Pavel Korobkov combined for the first nine points to give the Army Men a 17-point lead.

Dimitris Itoudis's men maintained control the rest of the way. Nymburk trailed by 19 at halftime and went down as much as 27 points in the 3rd quarter.

A 14-0 run from the home team restored some intrigue, but once CSKA's starters returned to the court, the offense roared back to life, allowing the Army Men to secure a comfortable 15-point win and sweep the series.

Star Player
Pavel Korobkov. The Russian center made only his second appearance after an injury, but proved a key part of CSKA's success. He scored six points in CSKA's first-half run and finished with 24 points, six rebounds and four steals.

Stat of the Game
21-0 - Moscow's spurt at the end of the 1st quarter and early in the 2nd quarter decided the outcome.

Snapshot