Zenit beat Enisey at home – 98:91 2OT (29:20, 19:23, 11:20, 17:13, 8:8, 14:7).
Game progress
The hosts immediately took a lead. Aggressive defense, Tomas Heurtel assists, Kyle Kuric and Vince Hunter allowed Zenit to quickly gain a double-digit lead – 14:2.
The Siberian team turned on the offense. Throughout the second quarter, the guests didn’t allow the opponent to get ahead. Dmitry Sonko three-pointer cut difference to just 5 points by the halftime – 43:48.
The third quarter started with Xavier Rathan-Mayes long-range shot. The Siberian team added toughness on defense and continued to score. As a result, the Krasnoyarsk team led before the fourth quarter – 63:59.
Key moment
The teams didn’t have enough time in regulation. In the first overtime, it looked like the hosts would be able to squeeze the opponent. But the Krasnoyarsk team showed character. In the final seconds, Dmitry Sonko desperation shot ended with a foul. Young Enisey guard confidently made all 3 free throws to tie the game.
Experience and bench depth brought results. Adrien Moerman became the joker for the St. Petersburg team. The French bigman 7 points gave Zenit the lead, and the Siberian team had no more energy left for another comeback.
X-factor
Despite allowed 91 points, Zenit defense was the key. Tonight, the St. Petersburg team provoke Enisey to update season-high in turnovers (19) and didn’t let Xavier Rathan-Mayes to make a performance (17 points, 6 of 20 from the game, 5 turnovers).
Fact
The teams have had different second stage start. Zenit is the only team in Group A that hasn’t lost yet. The Siberian team has not won yet.
Dmitry Sonko played the best game of his career. Enisey guard set career-high in pints (15), playing time (40:03) and efficiency (17).
Leaders
Zenit: Trent Frazier (25 + 6 steals + 5 rebounds), Kyle Kuric (19), Tomas Heurtel (18 + 13 assists), Vince Hunter (11 + 10 rebounds), Adrien Moerman (10 + 5 rebounds).
Enisey: Jeremiah Martin (21 + 7 rebounds), Xavier Rathan-Mayes (17 + 7 rebounds), Dmitry Sonko (15), Sergey Balashov (12 + 5 rebounds).
What’s next
Zenit (21-9): March 21 on the road against UNICS
Enisey (16-14): March 16 at home versus UNICS.
