The VTB Super Cup continued on 18 September 2026 with a statement performance from CSKA Moscow, who defeated Bosnian side KK Igokea 92–81 in a game that was tighter than the final margin suggests for long stretches. CSKA's depth, defensive length and second-half execution ultimately proved the difference, but Igokea's shot-making from the perimeter kept the contest alive deep into the fourth quarter.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, CSKA Moscow looked to impose themselves inside, feeding the ball into the post and crashing the offensive glass. Igokea responded the way they typically do against bigger opponents — by spreading the floor, pushing the tempo in transition and hunting open three-point looks. The result was a fast, watchable game in which both teams traded runs rather than one side simply dominating.

The Muscovites led for the majority of the night, but never by an amount that allowed them to relax. Every time CSKA stretched the lead toward double digits, Igokea answered with a quick 6–0 or 8–2 burst to drag themselves back into contention.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

• First quarter: CSKA Moscow 24–20 KK Igokea
• Second quarter: CSKA Moscow 25–19 KK Igokea (half-time: 49–39)
• Third quarter: CSKA Moscow 20–24 KK Igokea (end of third: 69–63)
• Fourth quarter: CSKA Moscow 23–18 KK Igokea (final: 92–81)

The second quarter was where the game tilted. CSKA's bench unit changed the rhythm of the contest, forcing three turnovers in a four-minute stretch and converting them into easy points at the other end. That 10-point half-time cushion gave the home side something to protect, and it proved decisive.

Key Moments

Igokea's best spell came immediately after the break. A 9–2 run early in the third quarter cut the deficit to five and silenced the arena, forcing a CSKA timeout. The visitors were getting whatever they wanted on the perimeter during that stretch, with ball movement that pulled the CSKA defence out of position.

The response, however, was emphatic. CSKA closed the third quarter with a series of defensive stops and a pair of transition buckets, restoring a manageable lead heading into the final period. In the fourth, a decisive 8–0 run — built on an and-one finish and a corner three — pushed the advantage back into double figures and effectively settled the contest with under four minutes remaining.

Tactical Story

CSKA's game plan revolved around size and physicality. They attacked the paint relentlessly, drew fouls and generated second-chance opportunities, while their defensive rotations limited Igokea's clean looks late in the shot clock. The rebounding battle was one-sided for much of the evening, and those extra possessions added up.

Igokea, for their part, were well organised and brave. Their guards handled CSKA's pressure competently for three quarters, and their spacing created real problems in the third. What they lacked was a consistent interior presence to punish CSKA when the defence collapsed — and when the jump shots stopped falling in the fourth, their offence stalled.

Standout Performers

• CSKA Moscow: The backcourt led the scoring, with a combined 35 points and several key baskets in the fourth quarter. The frontcourt controlled the boards and protected the rim, while the bench contributed meaningful minutes on both ends.
• KK Igokea: Their leading scorer carried the offence for long stretches and was the primary reason the game remained competitive into the final period. Their perimeter shooting was excellent through three quarters.

What the Result Means

For CSKA Moscow, the win is another step in building rhythm and chemistry ahead of the main competitive calendar. The VTB Super Cup gives them a chance to test rotations, integrate new faces and sharpen late-game execution — and the fourth-quarter composure shown here is exactly what a coaching staff wants to see at this stage.

For KK Igokea, the defeat is far from a discouraging one. Competing on level terms with one of the strongest clubs in the region for three quarters demonstrates real progress, and the experience of facing that level of physicality will be valuable when domestic and regional league play resumes. The Bosnian side will look back at the third-quarter run as evidence they can trouble elite opposition.

Quick Facts

• Competition: VTB Super Cup
• Fixture: CSKA Moscow vs KK Igokea
• Date: 18 September 2026
• Final score: CSKA Moscow 92–81 KK Igokea