UNICS defeated Zenit in Semifinals Game 6 on the road – 78:73 (20:15, 17:20, 20:16, 21:22).
Game progress
The game began with a 10-point run by the Kazan team. That set the tone for the entire clash. The first half turned into a back-and-forth battle, with the momentum shifting back and forth between the teams. However, the St. Petersburg team managed to take the lead only once. This happened after a long-range shot by Georgy Zhbanov at the start of the second quarter—23:20. For most of the time, the guests maintained the lead. However, UNICS was unable to pull away. By the halftime, the Kazan team lead was just 2 points—37:35.
Key moment
After halftime, the crowd witnessed both UNICS run and Zenit comeback. The game’s decisive moment, however, didn’t come until the final minute. Marcus Bingham’s three-pointer became the key. With 25 seconds left, he put the Kazan team back in the lead—75:73.
In the remaining time, Andre Robertson and Zhbanov missed long-range shots, while Bingham and Mikhail Belenitskii made free throws. The guests held on the lead and extended the series to Game 7.
X-Factor
In such tight and equal game, the guests had a higher shooting percentage—especially long-range. The Kazan team made 12 of 28 three-pointers (42.9%). Zenit made 8 of 27 (29.6%).
Facts
UNICS has won 2 straight games and tied the series with Zenit – 3-3.
The decisive Game 7 will be on May 28 in Kazan.
Andrey Vorontsevich played his 50th game of the current season. Zenit forward has not missed a single game.
Leaders
Zenit: Xavier Moon (15 points + 11 assists + 6 rebounds), Andre Roberson (15 + 7 rebounds), Andrey Vorontsevich (12)
UNICS: Marcus Bingham (20), Jalen Reynolds (14 + 6 rebounds), Paris Lee (14 + 9 assists), Andrey Lopatin (12)
What’s next
Game 7 on May 28 in Kazan.
