Lokomotiv Kuban vs Zenit. Game 3 preview
Context
The second game (85:80) of the semifinals was nothing like the first one (106:79). From the opening minutes, the Krasnodar team put up a fight and tried to dictate their style of play, which quickly resulted in a 17-point lead. However, Xavi Pascual’s team managed to overcome that challenge and others in the remaining time of the match.
Just like in the first game, the leader of the "railroaders" was Patrick Miller. The American guard posted 22 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists,and 1 steal. However, the hero of the game nearly became forward Isaiah Whaley, who opened the final quarter with two accurate three-pointers.
Fortunately for Zenit, they had their own X-factor — Georgy Zbanov. His spectacular dunk on a fast break and a clutch three-pointer in the final minute sealed the win and gave his team a confident lead heading into the away games.
Head-to-head
The gap in victories in this rivalry continues to grow: the blue-whites now have 21 wins, while Loko has 17.
Quotes
Zenit head coach Xavi Pascual shared his thoughts ahead of the first away match:
We have to be ready. It's going to be, again, a very difficult game. It's going to be very tough. When you play away, especially, you have to control the turnovers. You have to control the first minutes of the game. Of course, we know that our opponent is going to play with great energy, with the help of supporters. But we have to be ready for one long game and to wait our moment to jump to the game and to win the game.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: Lokomotiv Kuban
Location: Basket Hall, Krasnodar
Date: May 11, 14:00 (Saint Petersburg time)
Broadcast: Match TV, United League website, Okko Sport
