Broekhoff impresses in Lokomotiv's Euroleague Final Four loss
Ryan Broekhoff continued showing off his excellent shooting form, hitting two shots from three-point territory in Lokomotiv Kuban’s loss to CSKA Moscow in the opening semifinal of the Euroleague Final Four in Berlin, Germany.
Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar took on CSKA Moscow to open proceedings at the Euroleague Final Four. CSKA came out looking like the team with more experience on the big stage right from the tip-off. Their Russian adversary had trouble getting the lid off the basket, allowing CSKA to take the lead 11-2. However Lokomotiv fought back with their play in the second period, but CSKA still led by 10 points as they went into halftime up 47-37.
In the second half of play, Lokomotiv continued to trail as they closed the gap to 7 points, yet CSKA made timely stops and Lokomotiv had no answer to their stingy defense. They shot 37% from the field which hurt them as CSKA came away with the win 88-81.
Ryan Broekhoff’s play on both ends of the floor was one of the few bright spots for Lokomotiv. The dynamic sharp-shooting forward finished the game with 10 points (3/7 FG), 5 rebounds and 1 assist in 33 minutes of action. He also hit two shots from behind the arc on five attempts, but it was his side's slow start that ultimately cost them any chance of winning the game.
Ryan Broekhoff against CSKA Moscow in Euroleague Final Four| Credit: Lokomotiv Kuban Press Service
"Our start was our problem," explained Broekhoff in speaking with The Pick and Roll after the game.
"Some nerves, a lot of excitement and adrenaline and we were just rushed on both offense and defense. They took advantage of this and having experience in this situation really helped them."
It also helped that Euroleague MVP Nando De Colo was on fire for CSKA, pouring in a game-high 30 points (9/14 FG).
"He [De Colo] was great for them," added Broekhoff. "He hit some tough shots and made the big plays when they needed him to."
For Lokomotiv, Malcolm Delaney led the way in scoring with 26 points, while Dontaye Draper added 17 and Anthony Randolph delivered a 13 point and 11 rebound double-double. While disappointed with the loss, Lokomotiv still has an opportunity to finish third, taking on Laboral Kutxa Vitoria who lost their semifinal to Fenerbahce Istanbul.
"The experience [playing in the Final Four] was amazing, but obviously the result is very disappointing," further explained Broekhoff. "We now have the third place game Sunday to prepare for."
Watch the full replay from 11:00am AEST on Saturday, 14 May via Eurosport Australia or on www.euroleague.tv.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbgGAw0uh-M