Lokomotiv Kuban beat Zenit in the Game of the Week – 69:67 (15:20, 14:10, 24:17, 16:20).
Game progress
The teams didn’t score a lot in the first half. Both teams shooters couldn’t get their touch: the hosts made their first three-pointer just before the halftime. Zenit long-range shooting was a little better, but the guests couldn’t get a comfortable lead. By the end of the first half, Zenit had the lead, but the difference was minimal – 30-29.
The third quarter started with Okaro White dunk and then Jaylen Barford scored 10 points in the quarter. That helped the Krasnodar team grab the lead. Loko started the final quarter with a 6-point lead – 53:47.
Key moment
In the final quarter, basketball became as tense as possible. Trent Frazier and Sergey Karasev led Zenit pursuit and began to gradually cut the difference. By the last minute of regulation, the hosts led – 66:65. After Frazier missed shot, Barford picked up the ball and passed it to Vladislav Emchenko to a dunk – 68:65. But that was just the beginning of Emchenko – right after his dunk, he intercepted the ball and forced a foul, missed free-throws and on the next possession blocked Frazier shot.
Zenit guard still managed to cut the difference to 1 point. After a tactical foul, Zakhar Vedischev made only one free-throw – 69:67. Zenit tried to bring the game to overtime, but Loko defence kept Frazier out, and Adrien Moerman shot failed to go in. The Krasnodar team got the second win of the season.
X-factor
Zakhar Vedischev is gaining shape after his injury. He scored 16 points against Enisey, and today he became Loko top scorer with 17 points and 16 eff. points.
Fact
DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell missed the start of the season and was injured in the SuperCup final against Zenit. Today, he got back and made 1 point and 3 rebounds in 16 minutes.
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Zakhar Vedischev (17), Jaylen Barford (16 + 5 rebounds), Okaro White (13), Andrey Martiuk (5 + 6 rebounds).
Zenit: Trent Frazier (19 + 5 rebounds + 6 assists + 3 steals), Sergey Karasev (17), Bojan Dubljevic (11 + 12 rebounds).
What’s next
Lokomotiv Kuban: October 28 on the road against Samara.
Zenit: October 27 at home versus Enisey
