Zenit defeated MBA-MAI on the road – 99:83 (24:25, 23:23, 26:21, 26:14).
Game progress
The hosts moved the ball better and found reliable shots, making 7 of 9 two-pointers (69.2%). Zenit was less effective from the field (50%), but got to the free throw line more often (8 of 11).
The second quarter did not bring any significant changes. Zenit became more energetic in defense, partially pushing the opponent offense away from the basket, but this did not give an advantage. The hosts made 6 of 12 three-pointers in the first half and maintained a lead.
After the break, Levi Randolph scored 6 points in a row for Zenit and managed to put his team ahead. The guests temporarily achieved a 9-point lead, but lost concentration in defense and failed to secure a significant lead at the end (73:69).
Key moment
The Moscow team managed to equalize the score at the start of the final quarter. In a physical game with a large number of fouls, the guests had enough strength to full-court press, which led to mistakes by MBA-MAI in ball movement and forced to make bad shots. With 2 minutes remaining, Zenit took a double-digit lead and confidently got win.
X-factor
The teams played a physical game with a total of 56 fouls. Zenit was more often on the free throw line (37-26) and had better percentage (73% – 61.5%).
Facts
Pavel Savkov set a new VTB League career-high 24 points and tied career-high 5 three-pointers.
Trent Frazier recorded his first double-double of the season with 17 points and 14 assists.
The win ended Zenit’s 2-game losing streak and allowed to return to the Top 4, overtaking BETCITY PARMA on point difference.
Leaders
MBA-MAI: Pavel Savkov (24), Viacheslav Zaitsev (16), Danil Pevnev (12), Andrey Zubkov (11)
Zenit: Luka Samanic (22), Levi Randolph (19), Trent Frazier (17 + 6 rebounds + 14 assists), Andrei Martiuk (10), Andre Roberson (10)
What’s next
MBA-MAI: January 25 on the road versus BETCITY PARMA
Zenit: January 24 on the road against CSKA.
