The incredible Melo Trimble, with 35 points, led CSKA to a victory over Lokomotiv Kuban in one of the most dramatic games of the year.
CSKA defeated Lokomotiv Kuban after overtime, and the events in the final moments were rarely seen.
Claim Now A much better start for the visiting team, CSKA, which built a 10-point lead already in the first half on the wings of the excellent Melo Trimble, who scored 19 points before halftime. The third quarter was marked by strong offensive play from both teams, but it looked as though CSKA controlled the game and would be able to close it out calmly.
However, the drama began in the fourth quarter. Lokomotiv opened the period with a 13–2 run, bringing the game to a tie going into the final moments. With one minute remaining, Lokomotiv held a +3 advantage, but Melo Trimble first made one free throw and then scored a two-pointer to tie the game with 25 seconds left. Patrick Miller, the former Partizan guard, led Lokomotiv’s final possession and, with 3 seconds remaining, attempted a mid-range shot that he missed — but BJ Johnson followed it with a putback, seemingly securing the win.
Yet, with only 0.6 seconds remaining, Nikita Kurbanov inbounded the ball from the full length of the court to Livio Jean-Charles, who hit the shot to force overtime.
With the score at 92–90 for CSKA in overtime, the Moscow team had possession, and Melo Trimble capped off his incredible performance, delivering a fantastic victory for CSKA.
Trimble recorded 35 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds, along with the game winner. Livio Jean-Charles added 15 points. On the other side, the most efficient player was Vsevolod Ischenko, who shot a perfect 7/7, while Patrick Miller finished with 15 points and 9 assists.
