Zenit defeated Besiktas in the SuperCup Quarterfinal – 72:69 (28:18, 9:16, 24:18, 11:17).
Game progress
Besiktas managed to take the lead since the start. But the St. Petersburg team quickly regained. Andrey Zubkov brilliant play (9 points, 3-of-3 field goal made) allowed Zenit to seize the initiative. Xavier Pascual team systematically built up the gap throughout the opening quarter. And towards the end of the first quarter, Sergey Karasev free-throws made the Russian team lead double-digit – 28:18.
But the St. Petersburg team couldn’t build the difference. The Turkish team with Jonah Matthews and Matt Mitchell individual skills gradually closed the gap in the second quarter. By the halftime, Zenit lead was only 3 points – 37:34.
Key moment
The end of the third quarter was the key. Zenit made the Istanbul team to commit fouls. 7 made free-throws and a shot by Georgy Zhbanov gave Zenit a comfortable lead – 61:52 . The Turkish team tried to catch up in the final quarter. In the final seconds, Besiktas scored two three-pointers and got within one shot of their opponent – 69:72, but there was no time left.
Key factor
Andrey Zubkov bright play was the highlight of the opening quarter. The forward performance cancelled out Besiktas pursuit and helped Zenit to win the first quarter with a good lead. Zubkov spent the most time on the floor in this game (35), scored 11 points and got 6 rebounds.
Fact
The bench players played an important role in the game. Besiktas benchers scored more points than the starting five (35 vs. 34). The St. Petersburg team bench players also scored better. Sergey Karasev and Bojan Dubljevic showed efficiency – +16 for both of them – and also made key shots in crucial moments.
Leaders
Zenit: Sergey Karasev (13 + 5 rebounds), Andrey Zubkov (11 + 6 rebounds), Kyle Kuric (11), Bojan Dubljevic (11 + 6 rebounds), Vince Hunter (10 + 6 rebounds).
Besiktas: Jonah Matthews (14), Matt Mitchell (10 + 6 rebounds), Derek Needham (10).
What’s next
Zenit: September 23 against Pari Nizhny Novgorod.
Besiktas: September 23 versus UNICS.
