Zenit beat MBA at home in the Quarterfinals Game 2 – 87:60 (21:17, 25:6, 29:21, 12:16).
Game progress
MBA already had made the biggest Playoffs sensation, beating Zenit.
In the Game 1, Zenit’s offense did not work properly, making only 6 three-pointers in the game. This time, Xavi Pascual team started the game with 3 straight threes and Sergey Karasev 3 free-throws. Sergey Toropov added 2 points and then Karasev scored three-pointer again.
After recovering from a shock 19-4 run, the Moscow team quickly got back into the game, cutting the lead to just 4 points. Zenit’s offense, however, slowed down only briefly, while the defense played very confident. Trey Tompkins free-throws and Dmitriy Kulagin 5 points crushed the guests. The hosts won the second quarter 25:6 and by the halftime had managed to lead by 23 points – 46:23.
In the middle of the third quarter, Zenit made another 8:0 run and the difference became 30 points, making the rest of the game a formality. After slowing down a bit at the end of the game, Zenit took convincing revenge for the surprising Game 1.
Key factor
Thomas Heurtel showed his passing abilities once again. His 13 assists are the Playoffs best.
Fact
Sergey Karasev not only played great against the team led by his father, but also showed surprising stats. Zenit forward made 4 out of 4 three-pointers and 3 out of 3 free-throws. That was enough for Karasev to become the highest-scoring player of the game.
Leaders
Zenit: Sergey Karasev (15 + 5 rebounds), Thomas Heurtel (10 + 13 assists), Sergey Toropov (10), Dmitriy Kulagin (10)
MBA: Makar Konovalov (12), Daniil Kasatkin (11), Evgeny Voronov (10)
Next game: April 6 in Moscow
