Zenit defeated Lokomotiv Kuban in the Game of the Week on the road – 77:71 (18:15, 20:22, 20:21, 19:13).
Game progress
CSKA main pursuers started the game cautiously and were focused on defense. Zenit managed to take the lead, but the hosts was able to cut the maximum (5 points). The teams tried to compensate poor three-point shooting with actions in the paint. As a result, neither opponent was able to score more than 40-point barrier in the first half, the guest had slight lead – 38:37.
Patrick Miller got actively involved in the second half. His actions led to Loko’s 6-point lead. Zenit quickly increased the pressure in the paint. That worked out well – by the start of the final quarter, the score was tied once again – 58:58.
Key moment
Loko started the fourth quarter poorly, as Xavier Moon made a difficult three-pointer with a foul. On the next possession, Zenit again made and-one and took a 7-point lead. In such a tight game, it was crucial. The Krasnodar team had last chance to save the game 2 minutes before the end, when Kirill Elatontsev reduced Loko deficit to 3 points – 74:71. Kirill Temirov had a chance to tie, but missed key three-pointer, after which Zenit calmly took the win.
X-factor
Loko was in the Top 3 in three-pointers made (36.7%) before the game. This time the Krasnodar team made only 2 of 21 three-point attempts (less than 10%). Zenit had slightly better shooting, but 3 additional three-pointers became the key.
Facts
Lokomotiv Kuban got first home loss of the season. Before that, the team won all 5 games in Krasnodar.
Zenit did not let Loko to tie the rivalry history score: the St. Petersburg team led 17:16 before the game.
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Patrick Miller (16 + 6 assists), Kirill Elatontsev (16), Isaiah Whaley (11 + 10 rebounds), Antonius Cleveland (6 + 3 steals).
Zenit: Trent Frazier (15), Xavier Moon (15), Alex Poythress (13 + 8 rebounds), Dwayne Bacon (11), Vince Hunter (7 + 5 rebounds).
What’s next
Lokomotiv Kuban: November 6 at home versus PARMA.
Zenit: November 7 at home against Enisey.
