Zenit-2 will play upcoming quarterfinal games in Novosibirsk

Zenit’s farm team continues its battle in the Fonbet Super League quarterfinal series against Novosibirsk. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Game 3.

After a confident victory in the opening match (91:76), Oliver Popovic’s team suffered a loss in the second game — 86:97. According to the head coach of the blue-whites, the team played terribly on defense during the second and third quarters, which led to the result.

While the stats were relatively even in the first game, Novosibirsk had the edge in several key areas in the second: two-point field goal percentage (63.5% vs. 52.5%) and steals (13 vs. 7). In addition, Zenit-2 committed significantly more turnovers — 19 compared to 12. These factors heavily influenced the course of the game.

The Siberian team’s win tied the head-to-head series between the two clubs in the Super League at 4:4. The quarterfinal series now shifts from Saint Petersburg to Novosibirsk, where two games will be played. If necessary, a fifth and deciding match will be held back in Saint Petersburg.

Zenit-2 head coach Oliver Popovic on the upcoming away games:

The series is tied 1:1 — it’s a very clear situation. We need at least one road win to bring the series back to St. Petersburg. We’re expecting tough games.

Game 3 of the Fonbet Super League quarterfinal will take place on April 6 at the "Sever" sports complex. Tip-off is scheduled for 13:00 Saint Petersburg time. A live stream will be available on the Russian Basketball Federation's website.