Lokomotiv Kuban defeated Zenit in WINILNE Game of the Week at home – 95:85 (31:18, 23:19, 25:21, 16:27).
Game progress
The hosts started strongly. Just 2 minutes into the game, Zenit head coach Aleksander Sekulic was forced to call a timeout. By that point, his team was trailing by 9 points – 2:11. But even that didn’t help. Aggressive defense, quick transitions from defense to offense, and excellent three-point shooting percentage allowed Loko to confidently control the game. In the middle of the second quarter, the Krasnodar team’s lead was already 24 points – 45:21.
Key moment
The guests only managed to take the initiative in the final quarter. The St. Petersburg team played well in defense several times and scored points. A 13:2 run reduced Zenit’s deficit to 10 points – 71:81.
But it never came to a full comeback. After a timeout, Martin stepped up. Several accurate shots restored Loko comfortable lead, allowing the hosts to secure the win.
X-factor
Lokomotiv Kuban has scored three-pointers less than any other team this season. This game was no exception. The Krasnodar team made only 19 long-range shots. But at the same time, three-point shooting percentage was amazing – 60% (9 out of 15).
Facts
Lokomotiv Kuban moves up from 5th place to 3rd. Zenit, on the other hand, went in the opposite direction.
3 Loko American players set new season-high in this game. Jeremiah Martin scored 26 points, while Mike Moore and B.J Johnson scored 16 each.
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Jeremiah Martin (26), B.J Johnson (16 + 5 rebounds), Mike Moore (16), Vsevolod Ischenko (11)
Zenit: Trent Frazier (20 + 9 assists), Andrei Martiuk (16 + 8 rebounds), Vladislav Emchenko (10), Luka Shamanic (10)
What’s next
Lokomotiv Kuban: January 25 at home against Samara
Zenit: January 21 on the road versus MBA-MAI.
