Zenit vs Lokomotiv Kuban. Game 1 preview
Context
Lokomotiv Kuban was the only semifinalist that had to play a fourth game in the previous playoff round. In the final match of the series against Uralmash, the Krasnodar team was walking on thin ice: in Yekaterinburg, Andrey Vedischev’s squad was trailing by 13 points but managed to come back and snatch a ticket to the next stage.
Following the quarterfinals, Loko guard Antonius Cleveland was named to the symbolic five, posting impressive stats: 17.5 efficiency rating, 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. His performance was a key factor in the battle with the team from the Urals. From Zenit, Dwayne Bacon was also named to the symbolic team, averaging 22.7 points, 3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game with a 26.7 efficiency rating in the first stage of the playoffs.
Head-to-head
A clear pattern has emerged throughout the season: in this rivalry, teams only win on the road. The "railroaders" won twice in St. Petersburg, while Zenit came out on top both times in Krasnodar. It's time to break that trend. The long-awaited semifinal series is ahead, and it will decide who truly deserves to fight for the title.
Quotes
Zenit head coach Xavi Pascual shared his thoughts ahead of the semifinals:
It's one important moment, first game of the semifinals, it's going to be a long series, best of seven. But first game we have the home advantage, we were working hard during all the season for this home advantage and we need the help of all our supporters to go through this game and to start winning 1-0.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: Lokomotiv Kuban
Location: CSC Arena, St. Petersburg
Date: May 5, 19:30 (local time)
Broadcast: Match! Igra, Match! Strana, Okko Sport, VTB League website, Start TV
