Zenit defeated UNICS in the Semifinals Game 6 at home – 82:80 (26-22, 21-17, 16-21, 19-20).
Game progress
UNICS began the Series with 2 winss in Basket Hall, but after the teams moved to St. Petersburg, Zenit responded with wins in Games 3 and 4. In Game 5, the hosts won again.
In the first half, Zenit showed the desire to continue the tradition of winning at home. The St. Petersburg team began with a 10-2 run and kept that rhythm. Igor Volkhin, who replaced the injured Sergey Karasev, looked excellent. Sergey Toropov was also good. Tomas Heurtel improved from the previous game, with 6 points and 7 assists. At UNICS, Nenad Dimitrijevic played well again, but not enough. The hosts dominated rebounds – 17:8. After 20 minutes, Zenit led 47:39.
UNICS took over in the third quarter. Georgiy Zhbanov scored first, then Jalen Reynolds finished the quarter with made shot. Before the desicive quarter, the guests had cut the deficit.
Midway through the fourth quarter, Reynolds made 2 threes, but Zenit stayed in the game and transfered the game into clutch.
Key moment
The dramatic game result was decided by free-throws. Daryl Macon and Andrey Vorontsevich made 1 out of 2 each in the final minutes, while Toropov and Heurtel socred both and gave the St. Petersburg team lead 24 seconds before the end – 81:80.
In the last UNICS possession, Louis Labeyrie and Dimitrijevic tried to score three-pointer, but missed. Then the guests fouled Toropov and the forward made 1 out of 2. In the end, Zenit held on to their advantage and moves the Series into the Game 7.
Fact
For the first time in League history, both Semifinals have 7 games. In CSKA vs. Lokomotiv Kuban duel, the winner will also be determined in the Game 7.
Key factor
Sergey Toropov. The Russian bigman had his best scoring game of the season. 15 points on 2-of-3 from the game and Sergey input in the last minutes (9-of-11 ree-throws) helped Zenit to tie the Series.
Leaders
Zenit: Caleb Homesley (16), Sergey Toropov (15), Thomas Heurtel (14 + 7 assists), Igor Volkhin (11), Adrien Moerman (9 + 6 rebounds).
UNICS: Nenad Dimitrijevic (23 + 6 rebounds), Louis Labeyrie (9).
Next game: May 2 in Kazan
