Zenit defeated Enisey in Krasnoyarsk – 81:60 (22:14, 21:12, 14:15, 24:19).
Game progress
The hosts relied on long-range shots, but after attempting 9 already in the first quarter, Enisey made only 2. Zenit also had troubles with three-pointers, but showed more efficiency in the paint. That allowed the guests to take an 8-point lead at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the hosts were led by Dmitry Sonko. His 13-point performance allowed Enisey to equalise the game. But Zenit team play gave back the control of the game close to halftime and pushed the lead to 17 points due to field-goal shooting percentage – 51.5% vs 32.4%.
The guests’ offense stopped in third quarter. The hosts continued to rely on Dmitry Sonko, who quickly set career-high. Vince Hunter and Dwayne Bacon were able to reply. Enisey managed to win third quarter (15:14), but the 16-point difference left the Krasnoyarsk team with too difficult task.
Zenit did not allow the hosts to make a comeback. The St. Petersburg team was generally more attentive in defense, while Alex Poythress and Alexey Shved helped in offense and helped to secure the win.
X-factor
Zenit commits less turnovers (11.1) in regular season and confirmed this in Krasnoyarsk. The guests missed the ball only 4 times in response to 14 by the hosts.
The difference in free throws was also critical. Zenit got 28 free throws, while Enisey – only 6.
Facts
Dmitry Sonko scored career-high 21 points.
Xavier Pascual caught up Rimas Kurtinaitis in wins with one team (144). Only Dimitris Itoudis is ahead (228).
Zenit repeats all-time high winning streak, before that the team managed to get 15 wins in a row during the regular season 2016/17.
Leaders
Enisey: Dmitry Sonko (21), Timofei Gerasimov (17), Sergey Balashov (10 + 5 rebounds)
Zenit: Alex Poythress (16), Vince Hunter (14 + 8 rebounds), Dwayne Bacon (11), Alexey Shved (10).
What’s next
Enisey: March 30 on the road versus Uralmash.
Zenit: March 30 at home against CSKA.
