Zenit defeated Avtodor at home – 105:79 (25:25, 26:17, 21:19, 33:18).
Game progress
Malik Newman’s hot hand (17 points, 5 of 6 three-pointers made) allowed Avtodor to keep pace with Zenit in the first quarter – 25:25. In the second quarter, the hosts shooters got into the game. Long-range shots laid the foundation of Zenit’s run, after which the lead became double digits – 41:31. The Saratov team also showed character. At one point, Avtodor took the initiative and reduced the deficit. But Andre Robertson and Trent Frazier restored a comfortable lead for the St. Petersburg team at the end of the first half – 51:42.
Key moment
The hosts only managed to break Avtodor in the final quarter. The guests slowed down offensive pace due to Newman injury. The St. Petersburg team continued to score regularly. Zenit’s lead reached 20 points – 90:70. The hosts secured a confident win, scoring more than 100 points for the 4th time this season.
X-factor
The hosts showed a brilliant three-point shooting percentage. Zenit made 12 of 17 shots (70.6%).
Facts
The result of today’s game did not affect the teams’ places in the standings. Zenit and Avtodor retained 4th and 10th places.
The rivalry history score is 26-6, Zenit leads. The last 9 games had ended with the St. Petersburg team wins.
Dmitrii Uzinskii played his 300th game in League. He became the 16th player in VTB League history to reach this milestone.
Grigory Motovilov returned to the lineup. The guard played today for the first time since December 6.
Leaders
Zenit: Levi Randolph (21), Trent Frazier (20 + 8 assists), Georgy Zhbanov (19 + 5 rebounds), Andrei Martiuk (12), Luka Samanic (11), Andre Roberson (10)
Avtodor: Malik Newman (25), Alen Hadzibegovic (19 + 5 rebounds), Grigory Motovilov (13)
What’s next
Zenit: February 1 at home against Samara
Avtodor: February 1 at home versus Lokomotiv Kuban.
