Zenit defeated MBA-MAI at home – 84:74 (21:7, 25:24, 15:20, 23:23).
Game progress
From the very first minutes, the teams demonstrated a high level of contact, which led to a large number of fouls. Zenit took advantage of this with making 9 free-throw shots. The Moscow team had problems with shooting and was unable to score for 4 minutes. This allowed the hosts to confidently win the opening quarter – 21-7.
After the break, the guests improved the offense, but lost the rebounding battle in the first half (14 vs. 24 by Zenit) and trailed by 15 points at the halftime. In the second half, Vasily Karasev team started to play better defense and cut the deficit. At the start of the final quarter, the Moscow scored 4 points in a row and closed the gap to 6 points.
Key moment
The St. Petersburg team responded by stepping up the game on both sides of the court and regained a comfortable double-digit lead. Trent Frazier made some important shots, scoring 10 points in the final quarter. The point guard’s shooting helped the team to secure win.
X-factor
The teams committed a total of 62 fouls, which led to a large number of free throws. Zenit was better with shooting them, making 38 of 43 attempts (88%), while Moscow team made 21 of 29 (72%).
Facts
Rivalry history score: 15-2, Zenit leads. The only time MBA-MAI won in St. Petersburg was in April 2023 (65-61) in the Quarterfinals.
For Vasily Karasev this game was 150th game as MBA-MAI head coach. The current record – 64-86.
Leaders
Zenit: Luka Samanic (21 + 9 rebounds), Trent Frazier (18 + 6 assists), Georgy Zhbanov (11), Xavier Moon (10 + 6 assists), Levi Randolph (10)
MBA-MAI: Andrey Zubkov (21 + 8 rebounds), Pavel Savkov (17), Evgeny Voronov (13)
What’s next
Zenit: February 12 at home against Uralmash
MBA-MAI: February 10 at home versus Enisey.
