Nizhny Novgorod defeated Zenit at home – 68:64 (14:12, 21:11, 16:20, 17:21).
Game progress
The first quarter was equal. Zenit 6 players split the team’s 12 points evenly, and then the guests couldn’t score until midway through the second quarter. Trent Frazier hade 4 turnovers and went to the bench, while Zenit shooters score 0 long-range shots (0 of 8), which allowed Nizhny Novgorod to make a 13:0 run. The difference became 17 points after Kasey Shepherd lay-up, and Pari NN managed to keep the lead by the halftime – 35:23.
The St. Petersburg team cut the difference to 7 three times, and everytime Nizhny replied with made shots, bringing the difference back to double-digit – 53:43.
Key moment
Despite 4 missed long-range shots, Zenit got back into the game with Vince Hunter help. The American bigman scored 7 points and after an end-to-end possession, the score difference reached 3 points with 1.5 minute left – 59:61. However, Andrey Vorontsevich got an offensive rebound and then scored 2 points, 4-point lead for Pari NN and then Zenit failed to defend twice.
Nizhny Novgorod got the 7th win of the season and took revenge for the November loss in St. Petersburg.
X-factor
Zenit set the team’s season-low with 8 assists. Nizhny perimeter defense was a key to win – the St. Petersburg team made 3 of 19 three-pointers and 0 of 6 in the final quarter.
Fact
Pari Nizhny Novgorod had close games with 3 out of 4 Top teams. Casper Ware three-pointer prevented Zoran Lukic team from making it 3 wins in a row, but Lokomotiv Kuban and Zenit weren’t able to beat Nizhny Novgorod.
Leaders
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: Dmitrii Khvostov (17), Kasey Shepherd (16 points).
Zenit: Thomas Heurtel (21), Vince Hunter (20 + 12 rebounds), Trent Frazier (10).
What’s next
Pari Nizhny Novgorod (7-18): February 1 on the road against Uralmash
Zenit (17-8): February 4 on the road versus Enisey.
