Zenit vs MBA-MAI. Preview

The blue-whites team is set to host Moscow’s MBA-MAI on their home court. The game will take place as part of the 28th round of the regular season of the VTB United League. Here’s a closer look at the upcoming matchup.

Context

The Moscow team started the new calendar year on a positive note. In January, Vasily Karasev’s squad defeated Pari NN (84:76), Samara (78:80) and PARMA (91:76), losing only to the top regular-season leaders UNICS (66:94) and CSKA (65:88). Currently, MBA-MAI sits in 10th place in the standings with 8 wins and 19 losses.

The leading scorer for the visiting team is Andrey Zubkov. On average, the forward scores 14.5 points and grabs 7.2 rebounds per game (the second-best rebounder in the League). Another standout player for the Moscow team is guard Makar Konovalov, who ranks in the top 4 best playmakers of the regular season, averaging 5.2 assists per game.

Head-to-head

The history of encounters between Zenit and MBA-MAI in the VTB United League includes 12 games. The blue-whites team holds a confident advantage with 10 victories compared to just 2 wins for the Moscow squad.

Quotes

Zenit’s head coach Xavi Pascual shared his thoughts ahead of the home game:

We are coming back to play at home. It is always very nice for us, and we want to continue in a good line, good defence, good offence. Against one team that always play very well against us, always is difficult to win. They have great players, great coach, and we have big respect from them. So, hopefully we will enjoy the game and we will make good game for our fans. 

Who. Where. When. 

Opponent: MBA-MAI

Location: CSC Arena, St. Petersburg

Date: January 28, 20:00 (local time)

Broadcast: Okko Sport, VTB United League website, Start TV

Tickets are available at tickets.bc-zenit.com