Zenit beat Ensisey and got the 14th win of the season — 78:59 (11:16, 21:15, 21:18, 25:10).
Game progress
For the first time since the 2019-2020 season, Zenit had 2 losses in the regular season. So the St. Petersburg team were motivated to end this loosing streak. However, Enisey beat Samara in the last round, won in the end for the first time in the season.
At the start of the game, the Siberian team looked stronger than the opponent. The guests literally turned off the hosts offense. Zenit scored the first points only at the end of the 5th minute. In the opening quarter, Zenit players made only 3 of 9 shots from the game and 7 turnovers. Defense allowed the Krasnoyarsk team to take the lead – 16:11.
In the second quarter, the teams continued to play positional basketball. By the middle of the quarter, the St. Petersburg team had more turnovers than averaged (12.3). Thomas Heurtel was the hosts saviour (13 points). The French guard started Zenit run with his shots and the St. Petersburg team ended the first half as leader – 32:31.
Key moment
In the 4th quarter, Zenit players have already demonstrated a master class in defense. In 5 minutes, the team allowed the opponent to score only 2 points. At the same time, the St. Petersburg team scored. The hosts shooters turned on. Thomas Heurtel and Denis Zakharov staged a real show. After their made shots, Zenit lead became double-digit for the first time – 63:51. They did not stop there. Zakharov and Heurtel scored 12 points in the quarter and Zenit finished the game with a confident win.
Key factor
Zenit defense has become a key factor in the team success once again . The St. Petersburg team let Enisey score only 59 points, which was their 2nd best of the season.
Fact
Zenit winning streak against Enisey has already reached 21 games. The Krasnoyarsk team has never been able to beat the St. Petersburg team in the League history.
Game leaders
Zenit: Thomas Heurtel (25 + 6 assists), Denis Zakharov (14), Sergey Karasev (13)
Enisey: James Thompson (16), Aleksandr Gudumak (9)
Next games
Zenit: road game against MINSK on January 4
Enisey: home game versus CSKA on January 6.
