«Astana» starts 2025 with a tough challenge, taking on CSKA Moscow, the top team in the VTB United League. Here’s what to expect in this exciting match.

Since their last meeting with «Astana» on November 16, CSKA has been on a strong run, securing six wins and suffering just two losses. Their only defeats came against «Zenit» (82:78) in December and «Lokomotiv-Kuban» (69:65). Otherwise, CSKA has been dominant, posting big victories over teams like «Avtodor» (112:65), «Samara» (93:63, 97:77), MBA-MAI (84:67), «Enisey» (100:78), and «Parma» (110:91).

Team Leaders and Depth

CSKA’s roster is stacked with talent, and head coach Andreas Pistiolis has plenty of options to rely on. Alex Avramovic leads the team in scoring (14.1 PPG), with Melo Trimble (13.5 PPG) and Tonye Jekiri (10.5 PPG) contributing consistently. Ivan Ukhov shone in their win against «Avtodor,» scoring 20 points, hitting 6/7 from three-point range, and recording a 24 efficiency rating, earning a spot in the league’s Team of the Week for December 23–26.

Even when their stars aren’t on the court CSKA’s bench is ready to deliver. In their last matchup with «Astana,» Ruslan Abdulbasirov (15 points), Anton Astapkovich (16 points), and Vladimir Karpenko (10 points, 6 assists) all made significant contributions.

Head-to-Head History

«Astana» has faced CSKA 30 times in the VTB United League, with the Moscow side winning every game. The closest contest came on December 15, 2019, when «Astana» narrowly lost 104:91.


Acting Head Coach Gleb Plotnikov:

“We have our objectives for this game, and with four matches in eight days, it’s a demanding schedule. We’ll do everything we can to put on a strong performance against CSKA.”

Forward Vladislav Isaenko:

“This Sunday, we’re up against CSKA—a strong and experienced team. We’ve been training hard, studying their game, and preparing as a team. After the holidays, we’re ready and determined to show what we can do. We’re here to fight and give our best performance.”

Game Details

Match: «Astana» vs. CSKA
Date & Time: January 5, 15:00 (local time)
Venue: Velodrome «Saryarka,» Astana
Broadcast: Live on the club website


Let’s pack the stands and cheer the team on as they take on one of the league’s toughest challenges!
 

CSKA, the top team in the VTB United League, took control of the game from the very start. It was a tough challenge for «Astana,» despite an early jump-ball win by center Andrey Desyatnikov. Unfortunately, the team suffered a scoring drought (0:14), only broken by a free throw from Daniel Utomi. Utomi followed up with back-to-back three-pointers, and a dunk by Desyatnikov added some much-needed energy. However, the first quarter ended in CSKA's favor, 22-9.

In the second quarter, Gleb Plotnikov’s squad tried to reduce the 13-point deficit, but the gap only grew. The centers stepped up to energize the team: Desyatnikov delivered some impressive blocks, while Askar Maidyakin capitalized on passes from Grigory Motovilov, who was also reliable at the free-throw line. These efforts helped «Astana» stay competitive against such a formidable opponent. However, turnovers (13 compared to CSKA’s 5) and Alex Avramovic’s consistent mid-range shooting allowed the visitors to head into halftime with a comfortable lead, 53-21.

The third quarter began with an 11-4 run by CSKA, widening the gap even further. Defensive struggles continued for «Astana,» but the team remained determined. Tough defense and several consecutive baskets from Motovilov helped sustain the team’s morale. By the end of the quarter, CSKA's advantage had ballooned to 42 points, 77-35.

The final quarter was «Astana’s» best. Captain Rustam Murzagaliev directed the play offense with confidence and determination, while Orazbekov found success with mid-range shots. Desyatnikov continued to dominate under the basket, disrupting CSKA’s attempts. The team showed resilience, finishing the game with a 55-99 loss. Despite the scoreline, the players’ determination to fight until the final buzzer stood out.

Final Score:
«Astana» — CSKA 55:99
(9:22, 12:31, 14:24, 20:22)

Top Performers:
«Astana:» Grigory Motovilov (15 points, 4 assists), Daniel Utomi (10 points), Askar Maidyakin (7 points).

Gleb Plotnikov, Acting Head Coach of «Astana»:

“First of all, I want to wish Anton Astapkovich good health. Injuries are a part of professional sports, though we always wish they were fewer.
As for the game, we had 29 turnovers again and only 9 assists—far too few. We need to move the ball, shift away from individual play to teamwork. There was a stark contrast between the first and second halves, especially the fourth quarter, where the players shared the ball, created open shots, and converted them. That’s the kind of basketball we can work with. But when the game devolves into individual play, it’s neither effective nor enjoyable to watch.”