Avtodor defeated Zenit at home — 91:79 (22:16, 18:23, 31:15, 20:25).
The best scorers:
Avtodor: Malik Newman (25), Danilo Nikolic (16 + 9 rebounds), Scott Machado (11 + 7 assists), Christian Jones (10 + 7 rebounds), Nikita Mikhailovskii (10)
Zenit: Vitalii Fridzon (22), Sergey Karasev (13), Thomas Heurtel (11 + 12 assists), Thomas Wimbush (11 + 7 rebounds)
Game progress
Zenit arrived in Saratov well motivated after the loss to UNICS a week earlier. However, Avtodor was also ready, the Saratov team needed to win for strengthen the place in the playoffs.
The beginning of the game was equal. Zenit took the lead, but Nikita Mikhailovskii and Aleksandr Petenev three-pointers gave the hosts a boost. Scott Machado turned on with five points in a row and provided Avtodor a double-digit lead — 22:12. Thomas Heurtel and Vitalii Fridzon managed to respond, but the Saratov team took the lead – 22:16.
The second quarter started with Vitalii Fridzon time. The vet scored threes and helped Zenit not only to reduce the difference, but also to get ahead. However, Avtodor also had its heroes – Malik Newman and Scott Machado changed the game again. The Volga team took the lead after an 8-0 run. But Zenit also made a run with Thomas Wimbush dunk in the last second of the first half at the end. By the halftime, the hosts lead was minimal — 40:39.
The equal game continued in the third quarter. Avtodor found a new hero – Danilo Nikolic scored 10 of 12 points of the team. Zenit stayed in the game with Wimbush and Sergey Karasev made shots. But at this point the guests offensive potentioal began to dry up. Zagorac – Newman – Nikolic trio started the hosts run. Zagorac three-pointer returned Avtodor a 10-point lead – 59:49. Avtodor did not calm down on this and continued to score threes, by the end of the quarter having secured a comfortable 17-point lead.
In the final quarter, Machado and Newman two-pointers brought the difference to 20 points. And although Zenit managed to get away from a major loss, there was no time left for a comeback. Zenit had the 2nd loss in a row and Avtodor wins its 6th game of the season and equalises with Samara at the 8th place.
Hero
Malik Newman. Avtodor guard was extremely active in this game and had a his season high. Before that, he scored 25 points twice a season.
Numbers
Vitalii Fridzon 22 points is his high in points since 2019.
What’s next
Avtodor: home game against MINSK on December 22
Zenit: home game versus Enisey on December 23.
