Zenit vs UNICS. Preview

The 32nd round game of the regular season will be the last one before the break in the VTB United League. A clash between two contenders for the top spot, as always, promises to be intense and full of intrigue.

Context

UNICS arrives in St. Petersburg as the leader of the regular season, riding a 16-game winning streak and twice breaking its own club record. Two of those victories came against Zenit, who let the win slip away both at home and on the road (76:79 and 75:71, respectively). The last time Velimir Perasoviс’s team lost was back on December 1, falling to Lokomotiv Kuban on their home court (75:87).

The Kazan team combines powerful offense (86.9 points per game, 13.5 offensive rebounds) with excellent ball movement (20.8 assists per game — the best in the League) and a solid defense (allowing only 70.3 points, with 9.4 steals and 2.9 blocks per game).

Head-to-head

The history of matchups between these teams in the VTB United League includes 44 games. In the last two encounters, UNICS has strengthened its lead, bringing the overall win count to 24 against Zenit’s 20.

Quotes

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

Next game against UNICS — is one of these important games in the season. Now we are with the same number of losses. So, this game is going to be very important. We are going to play against one team that is probably in this moment the team in better shape with 16 wins consecutive. We will need to play in a great level if we want to win. The team is ready to do it. It's going to be very important to control emotions and hopefully the stadium will be full and will help us to pass over this game. 

Who. Where. When. 

Opponent: UNICS

Location: CSC Arena, St. Petersburg

Date: February 13, 20:00 (local time)

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

Tickets are available at tickets.bc-zenit.com