CSKA vs Zenit. Game 4 preview

Zenit is preparing to play the fourth game of the VTB United League finals against CSKA. The previous match in the capital ended in favor of the blue-whites with a score of 91:83. Now, Xavi Pascual’s team aims to build on that success before returning home.

Context

Just like in the first game of the finals, Zenit had a rough start yesterday. However, a 9-point deficit didn’t faze the St. Petersburg side, and by the end of the opening quarter, they had already taken the lead. The rest of the game remained closely contested.

The turning point came midway through the fourth quarter, when Zenit forwards Andrey Vorontsevich and Okaro White knocked down several long-range shots, solidifying their team’s lead. In the final minutes, CSKA was unable to respond effectively.

Three-pointers were the decisive factor in the last game. While CSKA was more effective from close range — shooting 58.3% compared to Zenit’s 43.8% — it was Zenit who dominated from beyond the arc, hitting 53.6% of their attempts compared to CSKA’s 30%.

Key contributors for the home team in Game 3 included Amath M’Baye (15 points, 2 rebounds) and Tonye Jekiri (15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists), who brought pressure in critical moments on both ends of the court. For CSKA, guards Melo Trimble (16 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists) and Casper Ware (14 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal) led in scoring.

Head-to-head

Zenit leads the final series 2–1 and has reclaimed home-court advantage. Including regular-season games, the blue-whites are also ahead this season — 5–2.

Quotes

Zenit’s head coach Xavi Pascual shared his expectations for tomorrow’s match:

After first game in Moscow we have a very important Game 4 of the final series ahead. We should continue as we did in the last part of Game 3 and try not to play under the score for most part of the game, cause it's always more difficult to catch than to lead in the Finals. I want to thank those fans who attended Game 3 in Moscow and I know that fans will support us in a special fanzone in St. Petersburg on Tuesday. We feel your support and throughout the season you make everything to energize the team with additional power. That's amazing. We will do everything to make our fans happy in the end.

Who. Where. When.

Opponent: CSKA

Location: Megasport Arena, Moscow

Date: June 3, 19:30 (St. Petersburg time)

Broadcast: Match TV, Match! Igra, VTB United League website, Okko Sport, Start TV