Zenit defeated CSKA in the Game of the Week on the road – 79:66 (29:19, 15:13, 12:18, 23:16).
Game progress
From the starting possessions, the teams showed tough and aggressive defense, which led to a lot of fouls already after 5 minutes of the game. Trent Frazier’s 12 points and then a 13:2 run by Georgy Zhbanov and Alexey Shved helped the guests to secure a 10-point lead after first quarter – 29:19. Andreas Pistiolis adjustments helped CSKA start the quarter with 8 points by Melo Trimble, but Frazier return helped Zenit stop the hosts comeback. The St. Petersburg team several made shots made the score double-digit by the halftime – 44:32.
Key moment
In the second half, the Moscow team adjusted its defensive approach and allowed the guests to score only 12 points in 10 minutes. CSKA regularly used its size advantage in offense, opening up pick-and-rolls with Tonye Jekiri and Livio Jean-Charles. The Moscow team regained the tie, but failed to get the lead.
Zhbanov caused several turnovers and missed shots, while Dwayne Bacon and Frazier fastbreaks helped to make 11:0 run. Andreas Pistiolis’ timeouts didn’t help the hosts get back into the game, as CSKA continued to have trouble with turnovers.
After regaining a double-digit lead, the St. Petersburg team didn’t let the hosts to get closer and confidently took the fifth straight win.
X-factor
An important reason for Zenit win was defense. The St. Petersburg team forced 15 turnovers and allowed the League’s best offense to score only 66 points (CSKA second season-worst).
Facts
Trent Frazier scored season-high 27 points. The American guard scored 18 in the first half, making a significant contribution to Zenit early lead.
Zenit, CSKA and UNICS have an equal balance of wins and losses and share the top spot in the standings. The Kazan team could become the sole leader for the first time this season in case of win over Pari NN.
Georgy Zhbanov scored 9 points and made it to 800 points in the VTB League.
Leaders
CSKA: Melo Trimble (21 + 5 rebounds), Amath M’Baye (12 + 5 rebounds), Tonye Jekiri (11 + 6 rebounds), Casper Ware (10).
Zenit: Trent Frazier (27), Dwayne Bacon (15 + 7 rebounds).
What’s next
CSKA: February 5 on the road versus Samara.
Zenit: February 5 at home against Enisey