Zenit vs Lokomotiv Kuban. Preview
Context
It's been over two months since our last meeting. During this time, Krasnodar has experienced both highs and lows. Andrei Vedischev's team suffered a loss to the struggling Samara, lost three consecutive games to PARMA and fell out of the top three in the regular-season standings.
At the same time, Lokomotiv Kuban continues to showcase open and aggressive basketball. Over this period, they managed an away victory over UNICS (75:87) and defeated CSKA at home (69:65). Moreover, the team remains the league leader in rebounds (38.9), steals (9.6) and blocks (4.6).
In late December, the visiting roster was bolstered by Russian forward Aleksandr Gudumak, who transferred from Samara to Krasnodar. However, he has yet to play a game for the "railroaders".
Head-to-head
The teams have faced each other 34 times in the history of the VTB United League. Zenit currently leads this matchup with 18 wins versus Lokomotiv's 16.
Quotes
Zenit's head coach Xavi Pascual shared his thoughts ahead of the home game against Lokomotiv Kuban:
The big game is coming here in St. Petersburg. So, first of all, hopefully we will have the stadium full with all our fans to help us to win this important game for us. In the core we will try to have more calm, we will try to play with the tempo that we need during the game, to play physically also against one team that is extremely physical, and to play a good game. We will need to play very well in both parts of the court if we want to win.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: Lokomotiv Kuban
Location: CSC Arena, St. Petersburg
Date: January 11, 15:30 (local time)
Broadcast: Match TV, VTB United League website, Okko Sport, Start TV channel
Tickets are available on tickets.bc-zenit.com
