PBC CSKA 92 vs. BC Kyiv 96

With their chances of making the playoffs out of the question, sixth-placed PBC CSKA Sofia came out relaxed against the second-placed visitors of BC Kyiv.

Kyiv, on the other hand, were assured of a play-off spot, but despite the apparent lack of importance the game turned out to be a thriller.

Playing without stress proved to be to the home team's advantage as they took a six-point lead against Kyiv after the first period. Play continued to be tight throughout the second period and the home side saw their lead shrink to two points after 20 minutes.

Both teams came out fired up for the second half and neither side was willing to give in. It was evident that the second half would be well fought-out and that the finish would be dramatic. Kyiv outscored CSKA by a single point in the third quarter, but was still down by one at the start of the fourth.

Both sides knew that the fourth quarter would be a battle and they came out intense on both ends of the court. In the last minutes of play Kyiv gained a slight advantage and with 15 seconds left on the clock was up by seven points. At this point a victory seemed imminent for the visitors, however this is where the game turned into a nail-biter.

CSKA needing points fast, ran an offense to free up Branislav Vicentic for a long distance shot which he nailed. With under ten seconds to play, Kyiv had the ball and the chance to play out the game. However carelessness on the visitor's part turned into opportunity for the home squad. Chris Garnett came up with a huge steal and converted the layup on the other end.

Now only up by two points, Kyiv needed to stay cool and collected with the ball in order to win. However after another turnover, CSKA's chances were kept alive. With one second remaining Garnett was fouled and hit both free throws to tie the game up at 84-84 and send it into overtime.

The five minute overtime period was controlled from the onset by BC Kyiv, who after their mistakes at the end of the fourth quarter, were determined not to let this game slip through their fingers again. The visitors managed to relax and play confidently, and in turn went on to win 92-96 before CSKA's crowd of 500.

BC Kyiv had five players in double digits and were led by Lamarr Greer's 21 points. PBC CSKA got a strong performance from Dimitar Angelov who fell just shy of a triple-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists.

Quotes PBC CSKA vs. BC Kyiv

Renato Pasquali, Head Coach BC Kyiv:

"I am happy that we won because this was a tough game for us. We made some crucial mistakes at the end of the regular time. The players decided that the game was over 15 seconds before the final whistle. In the overtime we were more concentrated and we took the win. This was a good game and the home team played hard from the start to the end. Good games tonight for Sergey Chikalkin and Lamarr Greer."

Rosen Barchovski, Head Coach CSKA:

"I am sad that we lost this game. We played great in the last seconds of regular time. During the game we were ahead and we contolled the game. But the players from Kiev fought for the win in overtime and my players made a few very costly mistakes. I'm happy with the play in some parts of the game but not happy with the result."