Pari Nizhny Novgorod vs Zenit. Preview

Xavi Pascual's team is heading to Nizhny Novgorod for the 37th round of the VTB United League regular season. Here’s a closer look at the upcoming clash.

Context

The past two and a half months have been truly challenging for Pari NN. From early January until the February break for national team games, Sergey Kozin's squad secured only two wins in ten matches — at home against Astana (66:62) and away against Loko (86:88). This poor stretch put Nizhny Novgorod’s position in the top-6 at risk. However, after the break, the team rebounded with victories over PARMA (88:81), Enisey (89:76), and Astana once again (84:82).

Nevertheless, on March 11, Pari NN suffered a heavy defeat in Yekaterinburg against Uralmash (84:58). Five days later, the same teams faced off in the Russian Cup final in Nizhny Novgorod, where the Urals team once again came out on top — 59:78.

Despite inconsistent results, Pari NN is capable of causing serious problems for Zenit. The team ranks third in the league in three-point shooting accuracy (36.5%) and shows solid ball movement (19.6 assists per game).

Following the departure of Zach Nutall, Montenegrin forward Nemanja DUrisic has stepped up as the team's leader. He is currently the top scorer, averaging 11.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.

Connections

At the end of January, Zenit's forward Igor Volkhin was loaned to Pari NN. He quickly adapted to the team, especially shining in the match against PARMA (26 points, 8/11 three-pointers, 27 efficiency rating). In Nizhny Novgorod, Volkhin reunited with Zenit Basketball Academy product Artem Antipov, who has been playing for the "citizens" on loan since the start of the 2024/25 season. On Sunday, both players participated in the Russian Cup final and won silver medals.

Head-to-head

In the Russian Cup (1:1) and EuroCup (2:2), both teams have an equal number of wins. However, in the VTB United League, Zenit holds a dominant lead: 21 victories compared to Pari NN’s 8. The three previous encounters this season also ended in wins for the St. Petersburg team.

Quotes

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

Game against Pari NN is going to be crucial for us, also very difficult. Always in Nizhny Novgorod we have difficulties to win and it's going to be like this. We need to control the tempo, do not have turnovers over there and play good basketball offensively. We have problems in the three-point shot there that we are not too much effective. So, a difficult game in front of us.

Who. Where. When. 

Opponent: Pari Nizhny Novgorod

Location: Nagorniy Arena, Nizhny Novgorod

Date: March 19, 19:30 (St. Petersburg time)

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