The coach for BC Khimki recognized that, despite the Moscow Region team having the will to put up a fight, they did not quite make it for a number of reasons, the most important one being the lack of game practice for almost 20 days. Meanwhile, CSKA had played a game in the Euro League.

— I want to clarify that we played a good offense. Its true we let some mistakes get past us in the defense, which CSKA took advantage of. A game against the strongest club in Europe demands total mobilization, delivery, and concentration.

What was the team lacking? When was the crucial moment in the match?

— I think the strategy used by the coaches was the right one. We worked on a game plan, and when we stuck to it, we got by, but when we strayed a bit, the opponent hit our weak points. Marco Pozzecco was not focused enough. Those final seven points at the end of the third quarter were decisive. They got by us from a lack of concentration, including that of Pozzecco.

So then a lot was decided at the end of the third quarter?

— Yes, at first Savkov got ahead of himself. We should not have hurried ourselves. CSKA is strong in organizing a rapid attack coming out of a defensive rebound. Holden gains such a speed that only a foul can stop him. When we stuck to our game plan – a new defensive system the coaches drafted up – we did not let the opponent escape us.

Sergey Nikolaevcih, how would you explain the unfortunate performance of the team leaders, Wolkowiski and Booker?

— It’s hard to say. Possibly for the same reason, vacations. Rubén and Melvin lost rhythm.


Do you think the team was lucky that it will be McCarty’s turn to play on Saturday? And what do you think, who should not be included in the team entry form?

— Three players from the ex-St. Petersburg team hit us at the last moment. Kelly and Oscar, by rule, play in the National Championships, every other game. When Savkov and Fridzon continue, there is no need to include Gorenc on the entry form for the internal tournament game. For me it’s more important that the Russian players play. Alexei Savkov had not played for awhile, but I think he will be back in form. He added to the defense, and we all know his capacity to follow through on an offensive move. Vitaly Fridzon, of course, plays flawlessly, but he is a progressive and above all pensive player. I am very happy with Ademola Okulaja’s game, but if I include him, I would have to remove Lampe or Wolkowiski.

How did you garner such good results from the free throw line? For almost 38 minutes the players scored everything from the line…

— We included this practice, that after player’s training they compete against me at the charity line, and as long as they don’t beat me – and this is not an easy feat to achieve, believe me – they don’t leave the arena. Some players give up after a half hour. I see free throws as our Achilles heel, and in two ULEB Cup matches, we lost as a result of this factor. This can be solved with psychology and concentration.