Uralmash beat Zenit in the Quarterfinals Game 3 at home – 72:69 (13:18, 20:16, 16:17, 23:18).
Game progress
Uralmash had no right to make a mistake – in case of loss the season would end. That’s why the hosts started the game very aggressive. Zenit managed to take the lead with long-range shots (Andrey Zubkov scored 9 points in the first half). However, Uralmash managed to get back quickly – the hosts had minimal deficit by the halftime – 34:33.
Midway through the third quarter, Kyle Kuric and Trent Frazier put together an 8:0 run, after which Zenit lead became double-digit – 47:37. But Uralmash didn’t let it get further, Octavius Ellis and Garrett Nevels responded and at the beginning of the final quarter, Nevels put the Yekaterinburg team ahead for the first time in the game!
Key moment
Now Zenit needed to catch up. Several times the guests managed to tie, but Uralmash still held the lead. Nevels and Kirill Pisklov made shots helped to get a 6-point lead 2 minutes before the end. Zenit still had a real chance to get closer in the end, but Zubkov missed long-range shot.
Uralmash extends the Series and will try to tie the score in the Game 4 at home.
X-factor
In the final quarter, Uralmash increased the pressure and shut down the guests long-range shooting. Zenit made only 1 three-pointer during the entire quarter – the second shot came at the last second of the game and didn’t mean anything. But Kirill Pisklov only three-pointer of the game was the game-winner.
Fact
Rostislav Vergun gets his first win in the League Playoffs. For his team this win also becomes the first.
Andrey Zubkov scored season-high 15 points.
Leaders
Uralmash: Octavius Ellis (18 + 6 rebounds), Garrett Nevels (16 + 5 rebounds), Javonte Douglas (14 + 7 rebounds), Tyrell Nelson (14 + 5 rebounds).
Zenit: Trent Frazier (19), Andrey Zubkov (15), Vince Hunter (11 + 5 rebounds + 4 steals + 4 blocked shots), Kyle Kuric (10), Thomas Heurtel (7 + 6 assists), George Zhbanov (7 + 6 rebounds).
What’s next
April 29 in Yekaterinburg.
