Zenit defeated UNICS in Semifinals Game 3 at home – 103:74 (33:14, 22:23, 25:24, 23:13).
Game progress
The hosts got off to a faster start. Zenit made 6 of first 7 three-pointers and quickly built a double-digit lead. The first quarter ended with a three-pointer by Andrey Vorontsevich, after which Zenit’s lead reached 19 points – 33:14.
After a rough start, the Kazan team managed to fix situation a bit. The guests occasional runs did not lead to a comeback. In the remaining 30 minutes of the game, the St. Petersburg team confidently maintained a double-digit lead, did not allow the opponent to get closer than 14 points, and secured another win in the series. Zenit takes a 2-1 lead in the series against UNICS.
X-Factor
Three-point shooting was the key factor in this game. The St. Petersburg team made 18 of 32 log-range shots (56.3%). UNICS made 7 of 24 three-pointers (29.2%).
Facts
Zenit defeated UNICS for the fourth time this season. In all of these games, the St. Petersburg team consistently delivered one devastating quarter. That happened in this game as well. In the first quarter, the hosts built a 19-point lead—33-14—which became the key moment of the clash.
For the first time this season, Jalen Reynolds failed to make a single field goal (0 of 7).
Leaders
Zenit: Johnny Juzang (22 points, 6 rebounds), Xavier Moon (19 points, 6 assists), Georgy Zhbanov (12 points), Trent Frazier (11 points)
UNICS: Marcus Bingham (23 points, 8 rebounds), Alexey Shved (16), Dmitry Kulagin (13)
What’s next
Game 4 on May 19 in St. Petersburg.
