Zenit beat Pari Nizhny Novgorod at home – 68:65 (20:21, 9:11, 22:20, 17:13).
Game progress
In the opening quarter, both teams scored well, even contested shots. But in the second quarter lost aim and scored only 20 points combined. The guests had the lead by the halftime – 32:29.
The third quarter had the same scenario as the first quarter and didn’t change the game at all.
Key moment
The game result was decided in the end. NN entered the decisive 3 minutes as the leader after Vladimir Ivlev made shot – 65:61. But soon Evgenii Baburin fouled out and Bojan Dublevic stepped up and scored 5 straight points to put his team ahead. The guests game finally broke down at a key moment. A series of missed shots were concluded with Aleksa Novakovic turnover 32 seconds before the end. Pari NN started to make tactical fouls. Trent Frazier made his free-throws and let the hosts led by 3 points 68:65. Bryon Allen tried to score three-pointer to tie the game, but missed. Nizhny got the 8th straight loss, Zenit strengthened in the Top 3.
X-factor
Zenit played for the first time today in the alternate jersey which is called SPB Edition. The alternate jersey is inspired by St. Petersburg aesthetics. It is based on common architectural elements of the city: the texture on the background repeats the pattern of the columns, the numbers and the inscription Zenit are made with a bas-relief effect, the geometry of the side inserts is inspired by the crowning cornices.
The new jersey pleased Zenit fans and gave the players an additional boost.
Fact
Pari NN had a 7-game losing streak back in the 2021/22 season. The team has never lost 8 games in a row in the VTB League so far. Today, Nizhny updated that record.
Leaders
Zenit: Trent Frazier (24 + 5 assists), Vince Hunter (12 + 5 rebounds), Bojan Dublevic (11 + 9 rebounds), Kyle Kuric (11).
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: Bryon Allen (22), Aleksa Novakovic (10).
What’s next
Zenit (8-4): November 27 on the road against Runa
Pari Nizhny Novgorod (3-8): November 26 at home versus CSKA.
