Zenit defeated Uralmash in Yekaterinburg 78:72 (22:16, 11:18, 17:19, 28:19).
Game progress
Uralmash and Zenit, who played the 5-game Quarterfinals 2024 approached the new game having lost twice in each of the last 3 games.
The first half was equal with defensive focus. Both teams had trouble making long range shots. Jeremiah Martin was the best scorer in the hosting team (11 points), while Trent Frazier had 7 points for the St. Petersburg team. The score difference was only 1 point by the halftime, Uralmash had the lead – 34:33.
The third quarter was equal. On Zenit last possession, Martin made a steal and scored and-one on a fast break 0.5 minutes before the buzzer – 53:50.
Key moment
The game went into clutch. The key factor was Zenit defense. One of the League’s best defensive player Vince Hunter proved himself this time around, scoring 10 of his team’s 14 points in the clutch. In that stretch, Zenit created a decisive lead and controlled the final minutes.
Zenit ended the losing streak in Yekaterinburg and returned to the Top 3, surpassing Pari NN.
X-factor
Vince Hunter doubled his season average, scoring 16 points on 6 of 12 shots made. Most of those were made at the end.
Facts
The rivalry history score is now 5-3. The hosts won last 2 games in Yekaterinburg, but today the St. Petersburg team end that streak.
Uralmash has lost its last 2 games at home (to UNICS and PARMA). It’s the first time in the VTB League that Uralmash has 3 consecutive losses.
Xavier Moon had the first double-double for Zenit in the new season with 10 points and 11 rebounds. He was just one assist away from a triple-double.
Leaders
Uralmash: Jeremiah Martin (25 + 5 rebounds + 5 assists), Tyrell Nelson (13 + 7 rebounds), Javonte Douglas (13).
Zenit: Trent Frazier (17), Vince Hunter (16 + 7 rebounds), Alex Poythress (12 + 5 rebounds), Xavier Moon (10 + 11 rebounds + 9 assists).
What’s next
Uralmash: October 24 on the road versus MBA-MAI
Zenit: October 26 on the road against Astana.
