Zenit defeated Pari Nizhny Novgorod on the road – 85:68 (22:17, 21:14, 16:22, 26:15).
Game progress
The teams got involved in the game from the very first minutes. For a long time, neither team managed to gain an advantage in fast-paced game. But at the end of the second quarter, the guests were able to take the lead with rotation and individual performances. Trent Frazier and Omari Spellman started the run and Zenit had a 12-point lead by halftime – 43-31.
But the Volga team was not about to give up. In the third quarter, Aubrey Dawkins and Evgenii Baburin set the basis for the comeback. After another three-pointer by Baburin, Nizhny Novgorod deficit was reduced to just one shot – 46:49.
Key moment
Despite the hosts efforts, the St. Petersburg team did not let the lead slip away. At the end of the third quarter, Xavier Moon started another Zenit run. After Vince Hunter slam, the guests lead was back to double-digits – 64:53.
Nizhny Novgorod tried to pick up the pace and made several good offensive plays, but it wasn’t enough to save the game. The St. Petersburg team had confidently get the win.
X-factor
The guests made less truovers in this game (11-14) and got more offensive rebounds (16-6). Zenit got 13 extra possessions, which became the key factor of the win.
Facts
Zenit remains undefeated for 9 games. This is the second best winning streak in the League after CSKA. The Moscow team will be the next opponent of Xavier Pascual team.
Evgenii Baburin made 7 long-range shots and scored 23 points. This is the second best result in his career for the experienced defenseman.
Leaders
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: Evgenii Baburin (23), Zach Nutall (11 + 5 rebounds), Aubrey Dawkins (10 + 5 rebounds).
Zenit: Xavier Moon (20), Trent Frazier (18 + 8 assists + 5 rebounds), Georgiy Zhbanov (12 + 5 rebounds).
What’s next
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: December 4 on the road versus MBA-MAI
Zenit: December 7 at home against CSKA.
