Spartak Stunned in Game 1

Surprising news from Russia this morning, as CSKA crushed Spartak 90-71 in Game 1 of the best-of-five Russian Superleague Finals. That CSKA would win, even on the road, is hardly a surprise - these teams played a hard-fought five-game series a year ago and were separated by only one game in the standings - but the lopsided margin was unexpected.

It looks from the boxscore like CSKA used its size in the post (6-5 Ann Wauters and 6-8 Maria Stepanova) to neutralize Lauren Jackson, who suffered through a 2-for-11 shooting night and had five points in 24 minutes. Sue Bird scored 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting and Diana Taurasi scored 18, but Irina Osipova was the only other Spartak player in double-figures. Meanwhile, CSKA displayed its trademark balance, placing all five starters and two reserves in double-figures.

Spartak will have to try to recover quickly, with Game 2 of the series, also at home, scheduled for tomorrow.

Elsewhere overseas, the Italian A1 League Finals wrapped up Saturday. Unfortunately, Adia Barnes' Phard Napoli team got swept 3-0 in the Finals.