Zenit defeated Pari Nizhny Novgorod in the SuperCup Semifinal – 86:61 (23:13, 19:24, 27:11, 17:13).
Game progress
The first minutes did not reveal an obvious leader. Kyle Kuric and Bojan Dubljevic made shots provide Zenit with a double-digit lead at the break – 23:13.
As the second quarter, the initiative gradually shifted to the Volga team. Pari NN started to close the gap, and after a steal and a fast break from Evgenii Baburin, the distance between the teams was only 2 points – 35:37.
Kuric was able to stop Nizhny Novgorod comeback. The American guard made shots at the end of the second quarter gave Zenit a lead at the end of the first half – 42:37.
Key moment
The third quarter was the key to the game. After the halftime, Zenit players came out energised. They made the most of their defence. On offence, Zenit used their bigmen well and Kuric and Trent Frazier shooting talents. Xavier Pascual team built up the lead throughout the third quarter, and before the end their lead reached by 21 points – 69:48.
Key factor
Kuric once again proved his sniper talent. The guard shots saved Zenit throughout the game. In this game, Kyle made 6 of 9 shots (4 of 6 three-pointers), scored 18 points and became the most productive player of both teams.
Facts
The SuperCup Final will feature two completely different style teams. Lokomotiv Kuban approaches the final game as the best offensive team of th SuperCup (102.5 points per game on average). Zenit, on the other hand, is remembered for solid defence. The St. Petersburg team is currently the best defensive team in the SuperCup (let their opponents 65 points on average).
Leaders
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: Dragan Apic (12), Aleksandr Chadov (10).
Zenit: Kyle Kuric (18), Bojan Dubljevic (14 + 5 rebounds), Vince Hunter (14 + 11 rebounds).
What’s next
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: September 24 versus Fenerbahce
Zenit: September 24 against Lokomotiv Kuban.
