Zenit defeated Lokomotiv Kuban in the Game of the Week on the road – 92:89 (17:32, 29:16, 32:22, 14:19).
Game progress
The teams played 2 dramatically different quarters in the first half. The hosts dominated the game opener, with Antonius Cleveland shining. Loko offense managed almost everything, but Zenit struggled with scoring field-goals. Soon Loko lead reached 15 points (32:17). However, the St. Petersburg team used the break well and was able to slow down the opponent in the second quarter. Zenit organized 11:0 run and the score difference practically melted, with only Loko’s 2-point lead by halftime – 48:46.
In the third quarter, Zenit continued to score. After starting the game with 1 of 12 three-pointers made, the St. Petersburg team finally managed to set the aim. Dwayne Bacon closed the quarter with 2 three-pointers, and the guests’ advantage reached a maximum 12 points at the start of the final quarter.
Key moment
Still, Loko got back into the game. The Krasnodar team added energy in defense, while Dmitrii Uzinskii took the lead in offense. The Krasnodar team took control. With 15 seconds left in the game, Uzinskii tied the score (89:89), and the game was headed to overtime.
But Zenit didn’t want to wait. Uzinskii missed free throw, Zenit took rebound and delivered the ball to Loko half with lightning speed. Alexey Shved passed to Georgy Zhbanov made several fake shots and scored the winning three-pointer from the backboard. Zenit is catching up with CSKA in the standings – both teams have 30 wins in 35 games, but the Moscow team remains in first placedue to the difference in points scored and missed points.
X-factor
Georgy Zhbanov. In the game against Samara, Zenit guard made 4 of 4 three-pointers, and in the game against Loko he brought that streak to 5 straight. That’s why Shved didn’t hesitate for a second, delivering the ball to Zhbanov for the decisive shot. And he didn’t let him down – 6 of 6 in 2 games!
Facts
Zenit equalized with Loko in the season rivalry – 2-2. In case of win, the Krasnodar team would catch up with Zenit in rivalry history (18:18).
The St. Petersburg team confirmed the status of the best road team in the League. Zenit has 15 road wins in 17 games.
Okaro White played his 100th game in the League and his first in Krasnodar after leaving Loko.
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Antonius Cleveland (18 + 5 assists), Patrick Miller (15 + 8 rebounds + 8 assists), Tahjere McCall (13), Kirill Elatontsev (10), Dmitrii Uzinskii (10).
Zenit: Dwayne Bacon (21), Vince Hunter (16), Trent Frazier (14 + 6 assists), Georgy Zhbanov (11 + 6 rebounds), Alexey Shved (9 + 6 assists), Andrey Vorontsevich (6 + 6 rebounds).
What’s next
Lokomotiv Kuban: March 12 at home versus Samara
Zenit: March 16 at home against Avtodor.
