CSKA Moscow becomes first team to officially qualify for the EuroLeague Final Four
CSKA Moscow officially became the first team that clinches its spot in the 2021 EuroLeague Final Four.
The Muscovites rallied past Fenerbahce in Game 3 of the EuroLeague playoffs (68-85) and swept the series (3-0) to advance to the Final Four.
The visitors trailed by 12 early in the game (12-0), but recovered after that and a 6-35 run between the second and third quarter helped them take control.
CSKA led by as many as 26 in the contest (52-78) and cruised to the win, qualifying for its record-breaking ninth straight EuroLeague Final Four.
“I feel very proud. I feel very happy for my players, for my club, the entire organization. Everybody deserves congratulations. It was an amazing series. We played through a lot of adversities this season.
congratulations to these guys because for some of them it’s the first Final Four. And we need to work on that: on saying what a Final Four is,” CSKA head coach Dimitris Itoudis told reporters afterwards, via the official website of the EuroLeague.
FC Barcelona endured the comeback of Zenit Saint Petersburg and earned the 70-78 win, reclaiming the home-court advantage in the EuroLeague playoffs.
It was a hard-fought battle in the first half (33-34), but the visitors went on a 9-18 run to take control (42-52). The Russians reacted though, and came within one, early in the fourth quarter (58-59).
The Catalans stood tall, though, and sealed the deal in the final part of the game, as they now lead the series 2-1.
Game 4 is set to take place on Friday. If Zenit wins, they will even the series and force a Game 5 on May 4. If FC Barcelona wins, though, they will close out the series and become the second team to reach the EuroLeague Final Four.
FC Bayern Munich remained alive in the EuroLeague playoffs, after defeating Armani Milano at home in Game 3 (85-79).
The Bavarians led by 14 early in the contest (23-9), but the Italians went on a 16-26 run to cut the deficit to four at halftime (39-35).
The hosts, though, went on a 14-0 run early in the second half and never looked back, cruising to a much-needed victory.
Bayern now trails 2-1 in the EuroLeague playoff series, with Game 4 taking place on Friday night. If the Bavarians win again, they will force a Game 5 next week. If Armani earns the victory, though, they will secure their spot in the EuroLeague playoffs.