A baker's dozen of champions compete
Title Defense: CSKA Clinch VTB United League Championship
In an electrifying six-game showdown, CSKA emerged victorious over Zenit, securing their second consecutive VTB United League title with a 96-73 victory in Game 6. The army men delivered a dominating performance, reaffirming their status as the league's powerhouse.
Nerve-Wracking Final GameThe tension was palpable as Zenit and CSKA locked horns for the sixth and decisive game, both teams/teammates brimming with contrasting emotions. The events of Game 5 were still fresh in everyone's mind, with Zenit leading by 13 points only to suffer an "unbelievable" loss. Meanwhile, CSKA players gleamed with excitement, eager to regain their championship status in front of their home crowd.
Unlikely TurnaroundBut CSKA coach Andreas Pistiolis cautioned against complacency, and his words proved prescient as Zenit initially responded with determination. In the first quarter, the visitors managed to keep the score within striking distance despite several missed shots by the home team. When CSKA's offense began to click, they quickly extended their lead to double digits, making the going tough for Zenit.
As the game progressed, turnovers and individual plays dominated Zenit's offense, with Alexei Shved's good start proving to be a brief glimmer of hope. Despite their struggles, Zenit trailed by only 10 points at halftime, thanks to a long shot by Andrei Vorontsevich.
Coach Pasqual Revives ZenitFaced with a daunting deficit, Zenit head coach Chavi Pasqual needed to regroup and adjust his team's strategy. However, the team's reliance on individual play seemed to hinder their comeback efforts. With CSKA extending their lead to 21 points in the third quarter, the outlook appeared grim for Zenit. However, a strong performance in the final minutes of the quarter narrowed the gap to 24 points.
Formality or Fight?With the verdict seemingly in, CSKA coach Pistiolis opted to give some of his reserves playing time, allowing them to experience the exhilarating atmosphere. Despite the margin, CSKA was resolute in their pursuit of entertainment, ultimately securing a 96-73 win. Had it not been for the remaining minutes of play, the final score could have been even more lopsided in CSKA's favor.
League's EliteThe 2024/25 season marked the twelfth overall title for CSKA in the VTB United League, emphasizing their enduring dominance in the competition. With only three league titles lost in the history of the championship, there's no denying CSKA's status as the league's dominant force.
Battle-Hardened RivalsZenit and CSKA have a rich history of intense encounters, marked by astonishing comebacks and heart-stopping finishes. As the 2024/25 regular season drew to a close, Zenit finished on top, earning home-court advantage. Zenit won three out of four matches against CSKA during the regular season, with CSKA managing to secure just one win. The Playoffs saw the two teams engaged in a fiercely contested series, with the final result coming down to CSKA's 4-2 victory.
Notable Games and ComebacksOn June 3, 2025, CSKA mounted a stunning comeback in the second and third quarters, racking up a 24-point run to extend their lead. In Game 29, Zenit demonstrated their defensive prowess, limiting CSKA to just 70 points, with CSKA scoring over 20 points in only one quarter. These close matches and comebacks underscore the fierce rivalry between Zenit and CSKA, with both teams continuously pushing each other to excel in the VTB United League.
Further ReadingFor more information on the history and achievements of Zenit and CSKA, check out these resources:
- Zenit Basketball
- CSKA Moscow
Despite the challenging game, Zenit's head coach Chavi Pasqual was determined to turn the tables around, eager to replicate CSKA's success in the NBA-esque VTB United League, specifically in the sport of basketball. Meanwhile, CSKA was looking to solidify their standing as the league's dominant force and potentially make a mark in international competitions as well, mirroring the likes of successful NBA teams.
