Zenit defeated MINSK at home — 91:53 (20:17, 27:11, 22:13, 22:12).
The best scorers:
Zenit: Thomas Heurtel (13), Igor Volkhin (12), Trey Tompkins (10 + 5 rebounds)
MINSK: Uladislau Blizniuk (15)
Game progress
The teams had different places of the standings before the game. If Zenit ahd 1 loss in 5 games and is chasing CSKA and UNICS. Then MINSK remains the only team in the League that has not won the game yet.
Despite this, the guests started actively and the first 10 minutes was equal. Although Zenit took the lead with Sergey Karasev and Trey Tompkins made shots, MINSK quickly caught up with their opponents and did not allow them to score more. At the end of the quarter, Xavi Pascual team missed Uladzislau Mikulski pass and finished the quarter with only 3 points lead — 20:17.
The low percentage of shots in the first quarter did not confuse the hosts, but still continued trying to make three-poiners work. First, Caleb Homesley and Igor Volkhin scored and then Volkhin forced the Minsk team to foul on the three-point line. Having scored all 3 free throws, Zenit forward made the St. Petersburg team lead double-digit fort he first time in the game – 31:21. The St. Petersburg team continued to increase the lead and the end of the first half was symbolic. Sergey Monia, who is playing his debut game of the season, stole the ball in the last seconds and scored a three-pointer – 47:28.
At the beginning of the second half, Trey Tompkins immediately brought the difference to 21 points, and Thomas Heurtel added 7 points in a row. Zenit continued to successfully shoot from behind the arc, and the final quarter was a formality. The St. Petersburg team continue the pursuit after the leaders. At the same time, Zenit has a chance to catch up with one of them in the next round — the reigning champion will host CSKA Moscow on his floor.
Hero
Zenit won with a well-coordinated team play and defense, but Igor Volkhin was the key player, who sterted the St. Petersburg team started decesive run.
Numbers
Russian sports legend Sergey Monia is 39 years old. Having started his professional career 22 years ago, the veteran is still able to bring a lot of effort to his teams- in 15 minutes on the floor, Monia got impressive 8 points without a single missed shot, 5 rebounds and a steal.
What’s next
Zenit: home game against CSKA on November 1
MINSK: home game versus Samara on October 31
