Zenit-2 loses in the semifinals and will compete for the bronze medals of the Fonbet Super League

During the game, the farm team of the blue-whites squad managed to reduce the deficit from 13 to 3 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory in the decisive fifth match against Temp-SUMZ. Here’s a detailed report of the last semifinal game.

Pavel Zemskiy, Vladislav Samukhin, Ivan Prokopenko, Daniil Aksenov and Mikhail Dulkay started for today’s match.

The game’s opening was dominated by the hosts. From the very beginning, Temp-SUMZ made a 10:3 run and gained a comfortable lead. However, by the middle of the first quarter, Zenit-2 managed to cut the deficit, and the game evened out, with a fast pace and frequent lead changes. Zenit-2’s starting five appeared confident both in defense and offense, while substitutes Elkhan Ahmedov and Ilya Krivyh brought fresh energy to the team. The first quarter ended with a narrow advantage for the visitors — 22:23.

The second quarter proceeded in a similar rhythm. Neither team had the opportunity to create a run like Temp-SUMZ did at the beginning of the game. Aggressive defense and high intensity added to the drama. By the end of the half, the score was tied — 40:40.

The tug-of-war continued after the break. With one drive after another, the teams didn’t give an inch. For a moment, Temp-SUMZ managed to establish a five-point lead, but it quickly evaporated thanks to Zenit’s active play: Khodorich hit a three-pointer, and Krivyh was precise on a drive. However, after the hosts' timeout, their lead began to grow again. Temp-SUMZ forward Daniil Ziborov confidently led his team, scoring from both long and short range, and the Ural team extended their lead before the final quarter — 68:56.

By the middle of the final period, the hosts had a 13-point advantage. However, Zenit-2 then made a 10:0 run and brought the game back into contention. Thanks to accurate shots from Krivyh, Prokopenko and Khodorich, the score difference was just 3 points in the final minute. However, the last attacks went to the hosts, who won the game 86:77.

The top scorers for Zenit-2 today were Ilya Krivyh (20 points + 5 rebounds + 1 block), Ivan Prokopenko (15 points + 3 rebounds + 3 assists) and Daniil Aksenov (10 points + 8 rebounds + 3 assists + 2 steals).

In the series for third place, Oliver Popovic’s team will face Khimki. The game schedule will be published later.