Couldn’t Contain the League Leaders

CSKA, the top team in the VTB United League, took control of the game from the very start. It was a tough challenge for «Astana,» despite an early jump-ball win by center Andrey Desyatnikov. Unfortunately, the team suffered a scoring drought (0:14), only broken by a free throw from Daniel Utomi. Utomi followed up with back-to-back three-pointers, and a dunk by Desyatnikov added some much-needed energy. However, the first quarter ended in CSKA's favor, 22-9.

In the second quarter, Gleb Plotnikov’s squad tried to reduce the 13-point deficit, but the gap only grew. The centers stepped up to energize the team: Desyatnikov delivered some impressive blocks, while Askar Maidyakin capitalized on passes from Grigory Motovilov, who was also reliable at the free-throw line. These efforts helped «Astana» stay competitive against such a formidable opponent. However, turnovers (13 compared to CSKA’s 5) and Alex Avramovic’s consistent mid-range shooting allowed the visitors to head into halftime with a comfortable lead, 53-21.

The third quarter began with an 11-4 run by CSKA, widening the gap even further. Defensive struggles continued for «Astana,» but the team remained determined. Tough defense and several consecutive baskets from Motovilov helped sustain the team’s morale. By the end of the quarter, CSKA's advantage had ballooned to 42 points, 77-35.

The final quarter was «Astana’s» best. Captain Rustam Murzagaliev directed the play offense with confidence and determination, while Orazbekov found success with mid-range shots. Desyatnikov continued to dominate under the basket, disrupting CSKA’s attempts. The team showed resilience, finishing the game with a 55-99 loss. Despite the scoreline, the players’ determination to fight until the final buzzer stood out.

Final Score:
«Astana» — CSKA 55:99
(9:22, 12:31, 14:24, 20:22)

Top Performers:
«Astana:» Grigory Motovilov (15 points, 4 assists), Daniel Utomi (10 points), Askar Maidyakin (7 points).

Gleb Plotnikov, Acting Head Coach of «Astana»:

“First of all, I want to wish Anton Astapkovich good health. Injuries are a part of professional sports, though we always wish they were fewer.
As for the game, we had 29 turnovers again and only 9 assists—far too few. We need to move the ball, shift away from individual play to teamwork. There was a stark contrast between the first and second halves, especially the fourth quarter, where the players shared the ball, created open shots, and converted them. That’s the kind of basketball we can work with. But when the game devolves into individual play, it’s neither effective nor enjoyable to watch.”