Boomer Andersen, the key player in CSKA's semi-final with 27 points and 10 rebounds, had a quiet title game with eight points, six rebounds and three assists as Moscow kept its winning streak in Russia intact. As well as winning all cup games, it topped the ladder in the Superleague with a 24-0 record.

Furthermore, it is 21-1 in the FIBA Euroleague, the continent's top competition, and is favoured to take the crown at the final-four weekend in Moscow on May 6-8.

Kazan had a strong game from its Australian "seven-footer", Chris Anstey, another Boomer. Anstey followed his 24-point-12-rebound semi with 15 and six in the grand final. He will play with Melbourne Tigers next season if, as planned, he returns to Australia after the Superleague season ends in Russia. The Tigers yesterday reiterated they would like to keep forward Stephen Hoare, who is considering a richer offer from New Zealand Breakers. Melbourne has offered Hoare more than he was on last year, but said it had reached its limit and the choice was his.

Hoare said he hoped a decision would be made at the weekend.

Meanwhile, captain Jason Smith has signed on for three more years with the Sydney Kings, back-up guard Luke Martin for two.

Cairns Taipans' assistant coach John Dorge joins NZ as assistant to new coach Andrej Lemanis and Scott Ninnis, a former Adelaide 36ers assistant, replaces Lemanis as an assistant with Townsville Crocodiles. Lemanis, Dorge and Ninnis won championships as players with South East Melbourne Magic.

Adrian Hurley, who resigned as coach of Hunter Pirates, has indicated he will return for next season since new investment appears to have secured the club's future.