Zenit defeated Samara on the road – 100:63 (25:17, 26:6, 26:20, 23:20).
Game progress
The game began with several fast-paced possessions. Despite committing more turnovers (5 to 4), the St. Petersburg team managed to take the lead early with 2-point shooting (7 of 9). And after an 11-2 run at the start of the second quarter, the guests extended the lead to 17 points.
Samara struggled to get offense going. Vladislav Konovalov team scored only 6 points in the second quarter. The guests, in turn, actively capitalized on opponent’s mistakes, widening the gap. Johnny Juzang scored 11 points in the second 10 quarter. The St. Petersburg team went into halftime leading – 51:23.
In the second half, the Volga team improved the offense, but it wasn’t enough. Dejan Radonjic team controlled the game and secured the win.
X-Factor
The St. Petersburg team controlled the rebounds on both ends. The guests grabbed twice as many rebounds: Zenit had 48 (17 offensive), while Samara had only 24 (5 offensive).
Facts
Rivalry history score: 12-0, Zenit leads. The average score difference in these games was 36.9 points.
Samara had previously lost leader Nikita Mikhailovskii for the rest of the season.
Nikita Kosyakov had the best game of his career in scoring (11) and efficiency (13).
Leaders
Samara: Danila Pokhodiaev (17), Dmitry Cheburkin (15 + 7 rebounds), Nikita Kosyakov (11)
Zenit: Johnny Juzang (16), Andrey Vorontsevich (15), Vladislav Emchenko (12 + 7 rebounds + 6 assists), Ismael Bako (16 + 6 rebounds), Xavier Moon (10 + 7 assists), Andrei Martiuk (10 points + 7 rebounds)
What’s next
Samara: April 1 on the road versus UNICS
Zenit: April 2 on the road against Avtodor.
