Stepanova, CSKA Overwhelm TTT Riga

Rebecca Lynn Hammon top scored but Maria Stepanova set the standard for CSKA Moscow as they maintained their 100 percent record in EuroLeague Women Group A with an 87-56 demolition of hosts TTT Riga.

Hammon posted 20 points for the Russians while Stepanova delivered another huge performance with 15 boards as well as 14 points.

Ann Wauters was not less impressive with a double-double of her own, 16 points and 12 rebounds while Amaya Valdemoro contributed 13.

CSKA had established a 42-26 lead by the midway point and the Latvian side could never get anywhere near.

Iciss Tillis made a layup for the first two points of the match for TTT but thereafter they never held the lead.

Tillis had an impressive 17 points and 11 rebounds while Elina Babkina added 11.

Quotes TTT Riga vs. CSKA Moscow

Ainars Cukste, coach TTT Riga:

"We didn’t play our best game, but it wasn’t also our worst. We played better than in Moscow, CSKA took control under the basket, had some good shooting efforts. The result is overwhelming, however they didn’t score more than 23 points in a quarter and we didn’t lose any quarter by more than 10 points. CSKA broke our zone defense and we couldn’t continue to play with three inside line players."

Santa Dreimane, player TTT Riga:

"Our performance in defense wasn`t good enough and we lost too many balls under the basket. This was a good game and we will continue to fight further."

Gundars Vetra, coach CSKA Moscow:

"First, let me congratulate TTT for their successful presence in FIBA EuroLeague Women. TTT won three times and lost three times, including two losses against CSKA. Our opponents have room for improvement still. Secondly, the game was well organised and the gym was full of fans. Thirdly, we knew that the game would be a tough one and prepared very carefully. It was important for us to achieve as good a points balance as possible. FIBA Europe EuroLeague manual brings advantages for the teams who score more and we want to have better positions before the play-offs.

"We played better than in Moscow. We were on a good emotional vibe that day but concentration was weaker then. Tonight we were more focused than one month ago and controlled the game.

"Transition from men’s to women basketball was not as scary, as some warned me. If a coach is not attractive for the players, the team will not succeed. I am satisfied and we have results."

Rebecca Hammon, player CSKA Moscow:

"We had a lot of respect for the host side so we had to stick to our game plan for the whole 40 minutes. We knew it`s a big game for TTT Riga and prepared well."