Lokomotiv Kuban vs Zenit. Game 4 preview
Zenit stumbled for the first time in the playoffs but leads the semifinal series against Loko 2-1. The fourth match, which will also take place in Krasnodar, is ahead. The blue-whites will do everything possible to return home with an even greater advantage.
Context
In the third match, the Krasnodar team took control of the game from the very first minutes, gaining a significant advantage. Zenit managed to have a few productive stretches and reduce the deficit to "-5", but the Xavi Pascual's team was unable to tie the score.
A slow, drawn-out battle with numerous confrontations significantly affected the tempo of the fourth match. One of the main components that influenced the outcome was the rebounds. Loko outperformed the Petersburg team in this category by 14 rebounds. Equally important were the three-point shots. The Krasnodar team hit exactly half of their attempts from beyond the arc — 8 out of 16 (50%). Zenit, on the other hand, shot more often but less accurately — 9 out of 26 (34.6%).
The key player for the railwaymen in the previous match was guard Tahjere McCall, who contributed 18 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Center Andrey Martiuk was also highly effective — he scored 17 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and made 1 assist.
Head-to-head
At the moment, Zenit maintains the lead in this rivalry both in the current season (4-3, considering the regular season games) and in the overall head-to-head statistics in the VTB United League: 21 victories for St. Petersburg against 18 for Krasnodar.
Quotes
Zenit’s head coach Xavi Pascual — on the fourth match:
So, we had this loss after four months exactly. We need to recover our game, defensively and offensively. But especially mentally to be ready for all the scenarios because we have to be ready for everything in this playoffs.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: Lokomotiv Kuban
Location: Basket Hall, Krasnodar
Date: May 13, 20:00 (Saint Petersburg time)
Broadcast: Match! Strana, Okko Sport, VTB League website, Start TV
