Zenit will host UNICS in a regular season game.
Where:
Russia, St. Petersburg, Sibur Arena (7120 seats)
When:
January 26, 2020, 18:30 (18:30 MSК)
Broadcast:
Match TV, League’s web-site
Look in the past
Face to face:
Zenit vs UNICS rivalry is hot, even though the history of match-ups isn’t long. In 2017-18 season Kazan beat Petersburg twice, furthermore game in Kazan was a season-opener. It ended up with the biggest differential for this rivalry – “+34”. Zenit’s revenge was sweet – win in a 3rd place game (93:79) in Final 4.
The most thrilling game between them was in 2016 semi-finals, when UNICS beat Zenit in 5 games and made to the finals, thus to Euroleague.
In past regular season Kazan snatched the victory in St. Petersburg (77:74), and then with the similar score beat them in Basket Hall (74:72). Zenit took revenge this season – in a first round game in Tatarstan (93:80). The final score of the match-up history in the league is 10-7, UNICS.
Past week
Zenit and UNICS played successfully in Euro competitions. Petersburg on Thursday beat Olympiacos at home in Euroleague (91:87). This victory was third in last 4 games for them.
Kazan confidently beat Galatasaray in Eurocup Top-16 (94:69) and now lead their group.
Intrigue
The regular season has reached its halfway point, Zenit still have a negative record (6-7) and are close to be knocked out from the Top 8. Another defeat will bring the Euroleague participant closer to the unpleasant reality of the fight for getting into the playoffs, a level almost all the VTB United League teams are capable of this season.
UNICS are more stable and with a record of 8-5 are unlikely to worry about their participation in the spring stage of the tournament. With a successful odds, the White-greens can compete for top 3, but currently the option of meeting the Kazan and St. Petersburg teams in the first round of the playoffs from 4th and 5th positions seems quite real. Based on this, the upcoming game is also important to determine the owner of the advantage of the home court.
Stat
Zenit with a result of 22.4 assists on average per game are the 2nd in the League. UNICS have a stat of 16.9 and ranked 10th. This clearly demonstrates the way the teams play.
Game of the week teams are in the top 3 in turnovers. Zenit with a score of 6.9 per game are 2nd and UNICS stay slightly behind – 6.6 and 3rd place.
Familiar faces
Zenit have three ex-UNICS players: Anton Ponkrashov, Evgeny Voronov and Vladislav Trushkin. The game will be special for Ponkrashov. He spent the last 5 seasons in Kazan and admitted that he was ready to stay with the team but the club decided to part ways with an experienced Russian basketball player.
There are also two former Zenit players in Kazan – Pavel Sergeev spent the 2016/17 season in the Northern capital, Andrey Koshcheev – played there in the seasons from 2014 to 2016.
Duel
Evgeny Voronov vs. Errick McCollum.
McCollum is among the most dangerous players in the entire League. With an average score of 20.1 points per game, he’s the 3rd top scorer. Errick, along with Jamar Smith, who returned this week determine the game of UNICS a lot. To hold this duet is the key task of any UNICS rival.
One of the best Zenit’s man to man defenders Voronov will play his traditional important role. But it will not be limited only by man to man defense. Zenit players in this roster do not have a clear, stable sniper and often the team lacks a player who could lead his partners. Voronov in this season several times took the lead in crucial games. In the first round against CSKA, he scored 15 points, and last week he tried to carry in another game against CSKA – 14. In November, the Russian became a serious problem for UNICS in the Basket Hall: he scored 10 points, 4 assists and provoked 4 fouls. Finally, in a recent game with Olympiacos, Voronov again became the top scorer with 21 points.
Comment:
Zenit head coach Joan Plaza:
“From the very beginning I said that the United League is our priority. We knew Euroleague would affect our domestic performance, but when we were getting ready for Olympiacos we also studied UNICS. This game is very important to us. Kazan has a great team and I’m sure that UNICS is one of Eurocup top contenders along with Bologna and Unicaja. Chances are that UNICS will qualify to Euroleague through Eurocup next season. So we have to remember, Kazan is a dangerous opponent, they easily deal with Galatasaray and show a high-level performance.”
UNICS head coach Dimitrios Priftis:
“First of all, we need to cope with the athleticism and energy that Zenit always demonstrates. And of course we also should play efficiently: ensure proper ball movement, not make throws under pressure, look for an open partner by passing. A lot in the game will depend on three-point shots.”
