Zenit beat Astana in Kazakhstan – 78:69 (23:16, 15:18, 19:7, 21:28).
Game progress
Zenit unexpectedly started with the 1-2 winning record, Astana was playing the first game of the League new season. The St. Petersburg team mood became clear three minutes after the start: four three-pointers and Sergey Karasev actions (18 points in the first half) allowed the guests to start 17:2. The Kazakh team survived. Former Zenit player Royce Hamm first brought the team back with several points, and Astana looked favourable in the second quarter, cutting the lead to 4 points.
The second half was much the same as the first. Zenit started the third quarter with six straight points from Vince Hunter and had a 16-point lead before the final quarter. Hamm, supported by Adam Kunkel, managed to revive Astana hopes again. A 23:11 run in 8 minutes gave the hosts the boost in the end.
Key moment
Zenit class was evident in the decisive moments. After Xavier Pascua time-outl, Trent Frazier made a crucial three-pointer, and soon Hunter dunk increased the Russian team lead to 9 points a minute before the end. The fans did not see Astana third comeback.
Key factor
Vince Hunter is considered primarily as a top defender, but today he became one of Zenit offensive leaders. Before travelling to Kazakhstan, Hunter played 73 games in the League, scoring 11.2 points per game. Today, Vince scored 16 points on 50% shooting, as well as 5 rebounds and 3 steals.
Fact
This is the first game for Royce Hamm against his former team. He played 26 games for Zenit, scoring 5.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. The rivalry with his former teammates was a principle for the American bigman – Royce was the best for Astana (20 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals).
Leaders
Astana: Royce Hamm (20 + 7 rebounds), Adam Kunkel (18), Markell Johnson (10 + 5 rebounds + 10 assists).
Zenit: Sergey Karasev (21), Vince Hunter (16 + 5 rebounds + 3 steals), Thomas Heurtel (10 + 8 assists), Adrien Moerman (6 + 10 rebounds).
What’s next
Astana: October 19 on the road versus Pari Nizhny Novgorod.
Zenit: October 19 at home against MBA.
