Zenit Russia defeated VEF Latvia on the road, 90-80 (21-18, 29-16, 16-20, 24-26).
Top Scorers
VEF: Alex Perez (18 + 7 ast), Kristaps Janicenoks (16), Kaspars Berzins (12 + 5 reb)
Zenit: Kyle Kuric (31 + 7 reb), Evgeny Voronov (13), Marko Simonovic (13)
Story
Kyle Kuric poured in 31 points to help Zenit to a win over VEF in Riga. The American sniper scored 18 in the first half, helping break open a close game in the 2nd quarter and put the visitors on top by 16 at halftime.
Zenit had lost two in a row entering Saturday’s matinee in the Latvian capital, but shot over 50% in the first half en route to 50 points, while harassing VEF into nine turnovers.
VEF knocked down 10 three-pointers, while guard Alex Perez scored 18 to go with seven assists, but the home team couldn’t solve the Zenit offense, losing for the first time in the League since January 21.
Despite the big first-half deficit, VEF briefly threatened in the 3rd quarter. After conceding 29 points in the 2nd quarter, Riga only gave up four points in the first six and a half minutes of the period to pull within 54-47.
Zenit responded with a 6-0 run ignited by Kuric and never looked in danger the rest of the way to improve to 12-4, tied for 3rd place thanks to Loko’s loss to UNICS.
VEF falls to 4-11, one game out of the final playoff spot.
Shot of the Game
Scott Reynolds Beats the 3rd Quarter vs @vefriga Buzzer From Downtown!
Скотт Рейнольдс закрывает третью четверть игры с @vefriga трехочковым баззером! pic.twitter.com/2j0NlOgmgj
— VTB United League (@VTBUL) March 3, 2018
Stat
18-4 – Zenit took control of the game with an 18-4 run in the 2nd quarter, which featured four 3-pointers and a pair of dunks from Malcolm Griffin and Kyle Kuric.
Quotes
VEF head coach Janis Gailitis:
– We played much better in the second half, but our opponents managed to make several tough shots and keep the lead. Some of our players can’t let themselves make the mistakes they made today. There’s no excuse for playing poorly; we’ll prepare for the next game.
Zenit head coach Vasily Karasev:
– This was a tough game, but we were prepared. It was very tough because of the pause in the schedule. Four of our players were on national teams, and it was difficult to know if they were ready. It’s never easy to play against VEF, especially on their court. Thanks to physical defense and 3-pointers, they can beat anyone. But we executed the game plan today and secured a win.
Up Next
VEF: March 8 home vs. Kalev
Zenit: March 11 away vs. Enisey
Images of the Game
