UNICS defeated Zenit in Semifinals Game 5at home – 83:66 (20:23, 22:20, 20:13, 21:10).
Game progress
Several three-pointers allowed Zenit to take the lead early in the game – 16:8. The hosts managed to regain the initiative with players coming off the bench. At the start of the second quarter, UNICS’s deficit was cut to a minimum—22:23.
The guests made another attempt to pull away in the first half. The St. Petersburg team’s run was started by three-pointers by Georgy Zhbanov. Xavier Moon let Zenit to get a 7-point lead—42:35. But the end of the second quarter belonged to the Kazan team. Aggressive defense and free throws cut UNICS’s deficit to a minimum again by halftime—42:43.
Key moment
After halftime, the Kazan team also demonstrated ability to score three-pointers. Marcus Bingham and Mikhail Kulagin allowed UNICS to take the lead. Midway through the final quarter, the hosts made a 9-point run, after which the score difference reached 15 points – 75:60. The Volga team did not let this advantage slip away.
X-Factor
The bench was a crucial factor in this game. UNICS’ rotation scored 40 of the team’s 83 points. Zenit bench scored just 8 of 66.
Facts
The home win allowed UNICS to cut the deficit in the series – 2-3.
The teams will play the next game in St. Petersburg on May 25.
The St. Petersburg team scored only 66 points in this game. This is the worst in the current Playoffs run.
Alexey Shved recorded his 300th career steal in the VTB League during this game.
Leaders
UNICS: Jalen Reynolds (21 points + 5 rebounds), Marcus Bingham (19)
Zenit: Georgy Zhbanov (17), Johnny Juzang (13), Trent Frazier (11), Andre Roberson (10 + 7 rebounds)
What’s next
Game 6 on May 25 in St. Petersburg.
