CSKA cruise in opener

Just six months after losing their Euroleague title to Panathinaikos in a dramatic 93-91 final in Athens, the 2005 champions CSKA looked on dominant form against the Polish title-holders.

Slovenian Matjaz Smodis led the visitors with 18 points and seven rebounds, while off-season signing Nikos Zisis made a strong European debut with his new club scoring 15 on 6-for-7 shooting from the field.

"I was a little concerned both about this being the opening game and about Prokom, which tends to start well in the Euroleague each season," said CSKA coach Ettore Messina.

"Once we got our defense going, we were able to move forward without forgetting about the tough defense that got us the lead."

Serbia's ULEB Cup MVP Milan Gurovic starred in his European debut for Sopot, dumping in a game-leading 25 points, but former Indiana Pacers point guard Travis Best had a discouraging night scoring just two points in nearly 20 minutes of play.

Center Tomas Van den Spiegel also had a disappointing first-game against his former club CSKA, scoring just six points and pulling down only four rebounds for Sopot, though he did earn four blocked shots.

"I played against my former team, but it didn't matter. I just wanted to win," Van den Spiegel said.

"We have to realize that it wasn't the most important game for us in a battle for Top 16. The next ones are much more important and I count on victories."

Montepaschi Siena take on Union Olimpija, Bologna face Zalgiris Kaunas, and Olympiacos play Tau Ceramica in the week's other Group A matches.