Zenit defeated Enisey at home – 80:77 (16:19, 20:19, 21:23, 23:16).
Game progress
The hosts key objective was to stop the League’s brightest player Xavier Rathan-Mayes. In the first half, the St. Petersburg team was able to stop Enisey leader with constant double teams. The Canadian guard made only 6 shots from the game. But he got rid of the ball quite skillfully (0 turnovers), and his teammates got more freedom and opportunities for open shots.
The Siberian team took their chances. Throughout most of the first half, the guests led by 8 points – 34:25. The St. Petersburg team offense woke up only at the end of the second quarter. Kyle Kuric, Sergey Karasev and Trent Frazier three-pointers allowed to tie the game. But the guests still had time for respond. Jeremiah Martin mid-range shot gave Enisey back the lead by the halftime – 38:36.
Key moment
The fate of the game was decided only in the final minute. Kyle Kuric long-range shot was the key and gave Zenit the lead back – 78:77. In the remaining time, Rathan-Mayes tried twice to save the game. But both his three-pointers were missed, and the hosts were able to keep the winning score.
Zenit ended Enisey 4-game winning streak and got the Siberian team in the standings. Both teams now have 4 wins in 7 games and share 7-8 places.
X-factor
The hosts showed team basketball in this game (20 assists vs. 8 by Enisey). Trent Frazier was Zenit’s top assistant. The guard made 14 assists and renewed his career-high.
Fact
Zenit is the only VTB League team that has never been beaten by Enisey (except for League newcomers). For the hosts, this was their 22nd win against the Siberian team.
Leaders
Zenit: Vince Hunter (19 + 5 rebounds), Kyle Kuric (19), Sergey Karasev (14 + 6 rebounds), Trent Frazier (13 + 14 assists).
Enisey: Jeremiah Martin (27), Xavier Rathan-Mayes (19 + 8 rebounds), Mikel Hopkins (14 + 8 rebounds), Yauheni Beliankou (10 + 5 rebounds).
What’s next
Zenit: November 5 at home against UNICS.
Enisey: November 4 at home versus PARMA.
