Zenit defeated Lokomotiv Kuban in 3rd Place Series Game 1 at home – 82:80 (23:14, 18:26, 28:20, 13:20).
Game progress
The hosts dominated the opening minutes. In the first 2 minutes, Zenit had a 7-1 run. The St. Petersburg team played solid defense and demonstrated good ball movement, creating opportunities for open shots. By the middle of the quarter, the lead had reached double digits. Loko began to cut deficit during the second quarter. The Krasnodar team used the opponent’s turnovers and got the offense going. One of the guests main driving forces was Patrick Miller. The guard scored 11 points in the second quarter, allowing his team to cut the deficit to a minimum by halftime.
In the second half, Rostislav Vergun team regained control of the game. The hosts capitalized on the Krasnodar team foul trouble, which allowed to get to the free-throw line 10 times. In addition, the St. Petersburg team continued to score long-range shots, making 4 three-pointers in the third quarter.
Zenit started the final stretch well. The hosts stole the ball several times and made an 8-0 run, extending the lead to 17 points with 7.5 minutes remaining.
Key moment
The Krasnodar team still had enough time for a comeback. The guests managed to take the initiative. After a long-range shot by Mike Moore, the deficit was down to 2 points with a minute left. After Trent Frazier missed shot, the guests had 8 seconds left to tie the game.
Moore took a long shot, but this time he missed. As a result, Zenit secured its first win in 3rd Place series.
X-Factor
Zenit scored three-pointers better throughout the game. The St. Petersburg team made 11 of 23 three-pointers (47%), while Loko made 5 of 16 (31%).
Facts
The teams have faced each other 48 times in total, with Zenit leading the head-to-head – 25-23.
Five Loko players scored 10 or more points.
The largest lead was 17 points.
Leaders
Zenit: Georgy Zhbanov (22), Vladislav Emchenko (10), Andrei Martiuk (10 + 6 rebounds)
Lokomotiv Kuban: Patrick Miller (19 + 6 assists), Vince Hunter (14 + 8 rebounds), Mike Moore (14), Jeremiah Martin (12 + 6 assists), Alen Hadzibegovic (10)
What’s next
Game 2 on June 3 in St. Petersburg.
