UNICS defeated Zenit at home in the Semifinals Game 5 and took the lead in the Series – 78:63 (15-15, 15-12, 26-13, 22-23).
Game progress
UNICS began the series with 2 wins in Basket Hall, but after the teams moved to St. Petersburg, Zenit responded with wins in Game 3 and 4.
Zenit dominated at the start, Artem Klimenko and Adrien Moerman built a 10-0 lead. UNICS woke up just in the middle of the quarter. The guests tightened up their defense, Nenad Dimitrijevic and Louis Labeyrie helped to equalise. The second quarter also was not productive, without a clear advantage for either team – 30:27, the hosts led.
Zenit won the third quarter in the previous game by 18 points. On Wednesday, that stretch was also crucial, but the roles had changed. UNICS had a 16-point lead before the final quarter.
Key moment
UNICS stopped Zenit’s momentum at the start of the fourth quarter thanks to Dimetrijevic actions. The St. Petersburg team wasn’t able to organise a comeback, so the Kazan team gets another win at home.
Fact
Both teams had trouble with three-pointer percentage. UNICS made 5 of 22 (22.7%), while Zenit got 5 of 26 (19.2%). Thomas Heurtel (1 for 5) and Trent Frazier (2 for 7) missed the most today.
Key factor
Nenad Dimitrijevic. The Macedonian guard set his League career-high early in the fourth quarter. Nenad had 32 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, most of UNICS’ successful offensive plays were a result of his direct participation.
Leaders
UNICS: Nenad Dimitrijevic (32 + 6 rebounds + 6 assists), Jalen Reynolds (12 + 7 rebounds), Louis Labeyrie (9 + 6 rebounds).
Zenit: Thomas Heurtel (13), Trent Frazier (9), Adrien Moerman (6 + 6 rebounds)
Next game: April 29 in St. Petersburg
