UNICS defeated Zenit at home in the Game 7 and advanced to the Finals – 80:79 (17-19, 19-12, 16-24, 28-24).
Game progress
The game in Kazan decided who would face Lokomotiv Kubanin the Finals. The first half was a logical continuation of the Game 6, as the teams played equal. While UNICS was focused on two-pointers and drives in the paint, Zenit responded with three-pointers. In the second quarter, Zenit slowly began to trail, although another three-pointer by Adrien Moerman drew the score. UNICS continued to force the opponents to commit fouls and got ahead by the halftime – 36:31.
After the break, Zenit noticeably increased their offensive intensity. 2 three-pointers by Moerman allowed the guests to catch up, and then Tomas Hertel continued to score. The lead changed 6 times in the third quarter, but the guests took it and won the quarter 24:16. That allowed Xavi Pascual team to have a lead before the desicive quarter – 55:52.
Key moment
The final quarter of the game was so tight that fans could have saw a second overtime in 2 days. The teams had a real fight, the most entertaining part of the game. Nenad Dimitrijevic and Daryl Macon answered to Trent Frazier and Thomas Heurtel made points. The key moments were in the final seconds of the game. With 1 minute left in regulation, Dimitrijevic made a shot, Heurtel scored a three-pointer, and Nenad hit another shot to tie the game – 79:79.
With 5 seconds left, Caleb Homesley made a great pass to Andrey Zubkov, but the Russian forward fell out of bounds. Possession passed to the hosts, who made a fast play. Vince Hunter sprinted across the court and was fouled. He made the first free-throw to the lead, 80-79, missed the second on purpose, but Zenit had no chance to respond.
UNICS took the Series and advanced to their fifth VTB United League Final in history.
Key factor
Nenad Dimitrijevic was the hero of the Game 7. His fourth quarter performance can already be considered one of the legendary moments in League history – 18 from 28 team points!
Fact
Last year, UNICS faced Lokomotiv Kuban in the third place Series. Now the Kazan team will face Loko in the most important Series of the season. 1 team, no matter the outcome, will get their first-ever United League title.
Leaders
UNICS: Nenad Dimitrijevic (24 + 6 assists + 3 steals), Daryl Macon (16 + 6 rebounds), Vince Hunter (11), Jalen Reynolds (10 + 6 rebounds), Marcos Knight (7 + 5 rebounds + 5 assists)
Zenit: Thomas Heurtel (23 + 11 assists), Adrien Moerman (17), Caleb Homesley (14)
