UNICS defeated Zenit in the WINLINE Game of the Week on the road – 104:77 (20:18, 25:27, 29:21, 30:11).
Game progress
The teams got into the game without any warm-up. The entire first half was equal. The hosts looked more confident in long-range shooting (6 of 12 three-pointers), while the Kazan team played well in early offense and skilfully used Marcus Bingham in the paint (11 points). At the same time, the difference between the rivals was maximum 5 points, and the lead changed 9 times. With such a close game, the teams went to the halftime with tie – 45:45.
Key moment
The guests took control at the start of the third quarter. Bingham perfect shooting laid the foundation for UNICS run. After Bingham scored again, the Kazan team took a double-digit lead for the first time in the game – 57:47.
The St. Petersburg team managed to equalise the game for a while and even reduce the deficit. But in the final quarter, fast possessions and the individual skill of the international players restored the guests comfortable lead. Zenit, on the other hand, lacked a leader ready to take charge. As a result, C.J Bryce long-range shot gave UNICS a 19-point lead – 93:74, allowing the Kazan team to secure a confident win.
X-factor
The hosts made 17 turnovers in this game. Many of them turned into fast breaks and easy points for UNICS. A transition from defence to offense was one of the main factors in Kazan team win.
Facts
UNICS is the best scoring team of the season. In the first round, the Kazan team scored 103 points against BETCITY PARMA. In this game, UNICS broke season scoring record with 104 points.
For the first time in the last 10 games between these teams, the final score difference was more than 10 points.
Andrey Vorontsevich made 3 shots and reached the 1,000 field goals made in his VTB League career. He became the third player in the history to reach this milestone.
Leaders
Zenit: Nenad Dimitrijevic (14 + 5 assists), Levi Randolph (13), Alex Poythress (12 + 9 rebounds)
UNICS: C.J Bryce (22 + 7 rebounds), Marcus Bingham (22 + 8 rebounds), Paris Lee (18 + 6 assists), Dyshawn Pierre (16 + 5 rebounds), Jalen Reynolds (12)
What’s next
Zenit: October 12 at home versus CSKA
UNICS: October 11 at home against Uralmash.
