Zenit beat Avtodor on the road – 93:75 (28:26, 23:13, 16:18, 26:18).
The best scorers:
Avtodor: Kenny Chery (19), Jaron Johnson (14 + 6 rebounds).
Zenit: Jordan Loyd (18), Billy Baron (18), Alex Poythress (14 + 7 rebounds), Jordan Mickey (14 + 5 assists).
Game progress
Avtodor (8-2) and Zenit (8-3) came to the game in the leading group. Both teams had their last games with CSKA, but if the Saratov team got major loss, then the St. Petersburg team won. However, this did not affect the game in Kristall in any way, and the starting quarter was held in an equal game: the leader changed several times, and the guests’ advantage in the end was minimal – 28:26. Zenit’s advantage was revealed only in the 2nd quarter, when Billy Baron scored 9 points in a row in 2,5 minutes, has scoring three 3-point shots (39:30). The St. Petersburg team also demonstrated thier defense, won the quarter 23:13 and had the lead by 12 by the halftime.
The 3rd quarter did not make significant changes to the game scenario. Avtodor did not allow Zenit to make a run, but it was almost impossible to get closer – 67:57 before the final quarter.
The key moment
Already in the first minutes of the 4th quarter, Zenit managed a 9:2 run, which determined the result. It all started with a three by Jordan Loyd, who was soon supported by Jordan Mickey. Then Loyd make the score 81:64 – and Avtodor’s coaching staff took a timeout. Which, however, did not affect the game in general.
With the 2nd consecutive win in the game with rivalry team, Zenit rose to the 2nd place, pushing Avtodor out of the Top-3.
Hero
Jordan Loyd. The American was useful in all aspects. He scored 18 points, completing 4 of 5 from behind the arc, and added 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Loyd’s hits in the fourth quarter allowed Zenit to remove all questions about the winner.
Numbers
50 – percentage of Zenit’s 3-point shots (14 out of 28) was decisive in the game. Avtodor has sucseeded only a 3rd of their attempts – 8 out of 26.
Comments
Emil Rajkovikj, Avtodor Head Coach:
– Zenit played as if it was a Euroleague game, they were very well prepared for this game. I think the second quarter was decisive: we knew that Zenit would play through Baron, but we couldn’t stop his shots. Baron created the advantage in the score for Zenit, which it was difficult for us to reduce later. We also had a chance in the 3rd quarter, but we didn’t manage to even the score and get the opportunity to win the game. We need to focus on the next games. We have to get the team back in playing shape and bring it to a level that will allow us to win in the upcoming games.
Xavi Pascual, Zenit Head Coach :
– I think today we played well both defensively and offensively. We’ve been scoring for almost 40 minutes, improving our game step by step. By the end of the game, we made 27 assistss, showed a good level of creativity and an excellent percentage of 3-pointers. It was a good game from our side, especially after the loss against Monaco. We must continue in the same spirit.
What’s next
Avtodor: road game against Lokomotiv Kuban on February 6
Zenit: road game versus Kalev on February 7.
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