Zenit defeated Uralmash in Yekaterinburg 61:59 (16:11, 13:22, 14:7, 18:19).
Game progress
Zenit got off to a strong start – three-pointers streak and defense gave the St. Petersburg team a lead in the first 5 minutes – 12:5. After a timeout by Milos Pavicevic, Uralmash leaders finally got into the game. Garrett Nevels and Octavius Ellis (14 points combined) helped Uralmash to cut the difference by the middle of the second quarter – 21-21. The guests had trouble with three-pointers (1 of 8 in the quarter), and the hosts took advantage of this. Tyrell Nelson helped Uralmash gain an advantage at the end of the first half – 33:29.
After the halftime, 5 points by Kyle Kuric helped Zenit to make a 12:0 run and regain the lead – 41:33. But Zenit couldn’t build it on – Uralmash offense finally got going and before the final quarter, the score was 43:40.
Key moment
The game fate was decided in the end. With Zenit lead 59:56, Anton Glazunov made a three-pointer 45 seconds before the end. In the next 2 possessions, the teams exchanged fouls, and Vince Hunter had a chance to score free throws line 15 seconds before the end of regulation. The center missed both, but the guests had the rebound. A few seconds later, Hunter was again awarded with 2 free throws, and Pavicevic got a technical foul. This time he made one, then Kuric scored one more point, the St.Petersburg team got the win – 61:59.
X-factor
Kyle Kuric played a decisive role in Zenit win. The guard became the best scoring player and made decisive free throw with 1 second left.
Fact
Tonight’s game was the less scoring game of the 2023/24 season. The teams scored 121 points combined. The previous record was held by Runa and MINSK with 124 points.
Leaders
Uralmash: Tyrell Nelson (14), Octavius Ellis (12 + 8 rebounds).
Zenit: Kyle Kuric (15), Bojan Dubljevic (11 + 6 rebounds)
What’s next
Uralmash (7-7): December 7 on the road versus Runa
Zenit (10-4): December 7 at home against Samara.
