Basketball: Turkish Airlines Euroleague Playoffs start

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - The Turkish Airlines Euroleague Playoffs got underway Tuesday night as first-seed CSKA Moscow beat eighth-seed Khimki Moscow 98-95 at home to take Game 1.

Despite being up early, Khimki Moscow couldn’t protect their lead against their rivals, whose point guard Sergio Rodriguez was the high-scorer with 22 points.

Othello Hunter was on form as well, scoring 18 points on a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line and also grabbing eight rebounds in the victory.

For Khimki Moscow, Alexey Shved's 25 points, five rebounds and six assists weren’t enough.

In the other matchup of the evening, Panathinaikos took care of business at home against Real Madrid with a 95-67 scoreline.

A big first quarter helped the Greek team jump to an early lead, and they didn’t look back.

Mike James was the high-scorer in the match with 24 points. He also pulled down eight rebounds.

On Wednesday night, Fenerbahce Dogus will host Baskonia Vitoria Gasteiz and Olympiakos will square off against Zalgiris Kaunas.