Uralmash vs Zenit. Preview
Context
Yekaterinburg's team has had a busy last two weeks. After a successful trip to Kazakhstan (a confident 66:106 away victory), Rostislav Vergun’s squad then defeated Pari NN on the home court (84:58). However, the two teams soon met again — this time in Nizhny Novgorod for the Russian Cup Final Four. In the semifinals, the Urals team overcame MBA-MAI (84:68), and in the decisive match, they once again defeated Nizhny Novgorod (78:59), claiming the Russian Cup for the first time in their history.
Despite a loss to UNICS (67:93) in the last regular-season game, Uralmash confidently holds 5th place in the VTB United League standings, with a four-point lead over their closest pursuers.
The home team features the league’s top scorer, Jeremiah Martin. On average, the Uralmash guard records 18.3 points per game, along with 4.4 assists and 2.1 steals (the second-best mark in the league). However, in their recent game against Kazan, both he and center Octavius Ellis did not take part.
Head-to-head
The blue-whites have won both games this season — 72:78 away and 89:79 at home. In the history of their VTB United League encounters, the teams have faced each other nine times: Zenit has six wins, while Uralmash has won three.
Quotes
Zenit head coach Xavi Pascual on the game in Yekaterinburg:
It's going to be a difficult game, we will need to play at the highest level if we want to win. Uralmash is one of the best teams in the competition. We know that this game is going to be crucial for us, but in the meantime very difficult.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: Uralmash
Location: DIVS, Yekaterinburg
Date: March 23, 15:00 St. Petersburg time
Broadcast: Okko Sport, VTB United League website, Start TV
