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Sports

CSKA Moscow beats Cavaliers 90-87

Associated Press
Published | Updated

CLEVELAND – Bryon Scott didn't make any excuses.

Despite the fact the Cavaliers were missing four key players, Cleveland's new coach didn't want to hear about injuries following a 90-87 exhibition loss to CSKA Moscow on Saturday night.

"We can't use that as a crutch," Scott said. "As long as we can dress five guys, we've got to get out there and compete."

The Cavaliers played the game without forward Antawn Jamison (sprained left knee) and swingman Anthony Parker (sprained fingers on right hand). Both were injured Thursday night against San Antonio. Guard Mo Williams (groin) and forward/center Anderson Varejao (ankle, personal reasons) have yet to play in a game.

Still, Scott made it clear he wasn't pleased with his team's effort after Cleveland fell to 4-2 in the preseason.

"We took a step back," he said. "We weren't ready to play. We'll have to remind guys that we can't turn it on and off. We don't have that luxury."

Ramunas Siskauskas scored 22 points and Jamont Gordon added 19 to lead CSKA Moscow, which finished its tour of NBA teams with a 1-2 record.

The visitors broke away from a halftime tie and built a double-figure lead in the third quarter. The Cavaliers rallied and cut the lead to one on several occasions in the fourth quarter, but never took the lead.

Ryan Hollins' two free throws made it 88-87 with 7.5 seconds left, but Siskauskas hit two foul shots with 6.8 seconds to go. Daniel Gibson, who led the Cavaliers with 21 points, missed a 3-pointer and CSKA Moscow got the rebound and dribbled out the clock.

CSKA Moscow, a Euroleague powerhouse, lost to Miami and New Orleans this week.

"They played extremely well," Scott said.

Cleveland built a 38-29 lead in the second quarter, but CSKA Moscow finished the first half on an 18-9 run to tie it at 47.

CSKA Moscow began the second half on a 14-2 run, thanks to four 3-point baskets, including three by Siskauskas. The lead grew to 12 points and CSKA Moscow led 70-63 going into the fourth quarter.

Former Duke star Trajan Langdon scored 14 points for CSKA Moscow. He was Cleveland's first-round draft pick in 1999 played three seasons with the Cavaliers.

Hollins scored 17 points for Cleveland. Ramon Sessions added 14.

NOTES: Cleveland has two exhibition games remaining. The Cavaliers play Philadelphia on Tuesday night at Cincinnati and meet Milwaukee on Thursday night in Columbus. ... Cavaliers' radio play-by-play announcer Joe Tait, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame this summer, has returned home after being hospitalized with pneumonia in Houston. He began with the Cavs in 1970, their inaugural NBA season. Tait broadcast his 3,000th game last season.