Zenit defeated CSKA in the Semifinals Game 4 in Moscow 91:73 (23:15, 27:23, 24:18, 17:17).
Game progress
From the very first minutes, the game was equal. There was no clear leader. Then Trent Frazier scored 9 points and increased Zenit lead – 26-15.
Melo Trimble and Semen Antonov long range shots seemed to put the opponents down. But the guests found another hero. Thomas Heurtel, assisted by Juwan Morgan and Vince Hunter, get the initiative back. The French guard had 16 points (5 of 5 from the field, 4 of 4 free throws) and 4 assists, and Zenit lead was back to double digits – 50:38.
Key moment
At the start of the third quarter, the St. Petersburg team continued to build the lead. At one point the Moscow team managed to get the initiative with Casper Ware efforts. But once CSKA leader went to the bench, the guests continued to control the game. At the start of the final quarter, after a long-range shot by Frazier, Zenit lead reached 21 points – 77:56.
A solid lead allowed Zenit to take the win and tie the Series.
X-factor
Xavi Pascual guessed the starting five for this game as players scored 81 of 91 points and their bright play secured the win.
Fact
This game continued the tradition of this Semifinal series. In all 4 past games, the final score difference between the teams was more than 11 points. Zenit win tonight by 18 points was the biggest between the rivals this season.
Leaders
CSKA: Livio Jean-Charles (11 + 9 rebounds), Melo Trimble (11), Ivan Ukhov (10).
Zenit: Vince Hunter (21 + 6 rebounds), Trent Frazier (21), Thomas Heurtel (19 + 7 assists), Juwan Morgan (14 + 9 rebounds).
What’s next
May 16 in St. Petersburg.
