Zenit defeated CSKA in Finals Game 2 at home – 86:70 (20:16, 27:22, 16:18, 23:14).
Game progress
Unlike the previous game, this time the St. Petersburg team got an initiative from the start. Trent Fraser was the most notable player, his buzzer beater at the end of the first quarter was the brightest moment of the game – 20:16.
The beginning of the second quarter became the sharpshooters’ time. Zenit also looked better in the long-range shootout. After Alexey Shved free throws, the St. Petersburg team lead became double-digit and at one point reached 15 points – 43:28. But the Moscow team controlled ending of first half. Casper Ware and Melo Trimble allowed CSKA to cut the deficit to 9 points by halftime – 38:47.
Key moment
CSKA tried to take the initiative in the third quarter. The Moscow team cut deficit to 6 points – 48:54. But the guests were unable to achieve more. The St. Petersburg team was motivated to win. This was especially evident in the final quarter with excellent defense. Zenit regained a double-digit lead at the start of the fourth quarter and maintained it until the end – 76:66.
X-factor
Defense was a key factor in Zenit win. CSKA was able to score more than 20 points only in 1 quarter. The Moscow team scored only 70 points in the game.
Facts
Zenit equalized the score in Finals – 1-1. The Game 3 will be on June 1 in Moscow.
CSKA got first loss in this Playoffs run. The Moscow team won 8 games before that.
The Moscow team lost for the first time this season when Vladimir Karpenko participated in game. CSKA had won 33 games with guard coming on the floor.
Leaders
Zenit: Dwayne Bacon (20), Trent Frazier (19), Okaro White (12 + 5 rebounds), Georgy Zhbanov (10)
CSKA: Melo Trimble (21), Casper Ware (14).
What’s next
Game 3 on June 1 in Moscow.
