Zenit defeated Lokomotiv Kuban in Semifinals Game 5 at home – 93:80 (22:21, 26:22, 24:18, 21:19).
Game progress
Zenit began the Series with 2 home wins, Loko mirrored in Krasnodar. The St. Petersburg team took control of the game in first quarter, with Trent Frazier (5 of 7 FGM) and Dwayne Bacon (6 of 10) leading the Zenit with 16 points each – the forward received the MVP of Regular Season award before the opening tip-off. Loko had troubles with entering into the game, Patrick Miller and Antonius Cleveland kept Krasnodar team as close as possible to opponent – 48:43.
After winning 2 quarters with slight advantage, Zenit again outscored the opponent in the third quarter. Frazier, Bacon and Vince Hunter allowed the St. Petersburg team to push Loko back into double-digit score difference.
Zenit controlled the rhythm of the game in the fourth quarter, playing to the score and responding to all Loko attempts to make a comeback – Frazier and Hunter were the main options in offense. In the end, Xavier Pascual team won all 4 quarters and got important win at home- 93:80, 3-2 in the series.
X-Factor
Most of Game 5’s are usually tight. Zenit managed outscore the opponent in team play and also to win rebounding battle – 42 to 32, including 14 offensive.
Facts
The hosts were ahead throughout the second half.
Dwayne Bacon and Trent Frazier scored 59 points combined.
Leaders
Zenit: Dwayne Bacon (30 + 5 rebounds), Trent Frazier (29), Vince Hunter (11 + 7 rebounds).
Lokomotiv-Kuban: Patrick Miller (21 + 5 rebounds), Antonius Cleveland (21), Tahjere McCall (12).
What’s next
Game 6 on May 19 in Krasnodar.
