"A Day in history": Zenit’s сhampionship in the VTB United League
Today, as part of the "A Day in history" project, we look back on one of the most significant moments in the club's history. Exactly three years ago, on June 5, 2022, Zenit claimed victory in the seventh game of the final series and became VTB United League champions for the first time. Let’s take a closer look at this landmark triumph.
In an extremely challenging season, our team made it to the finals, where they initially trailed Moscow’s CSKA 0-2, then 1-3. However, the blue-whites didn’t give up, managing to stage a stunning comeback and turn the tide of the series against CSKA.
The decisive seventh game took place in Moscow, on the court of the Megasport Arena. After winning the first quarter with a 6-point lead and extending the advantage to "+15" in the second, the St. Petersburg team still allowed their opponent to catch up and entered the final ten minutes trailing. By that time, Zenit’s head coach Xavi Pascual had received two technical fouls and was ejected, leaving the game in the hands of his assistant, Inigo Zorzano.
Nevertheless, despite all the difficulties, the final quarter belonged to St. Petersburg. In just one minute, the blue-whites regained their advantage and never looked back. Zenit’s leaders Jordan Mickey (19 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists) and Jordan Loyd (17 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 1 block) pushed the team forward and were the game’s top scorers. In the final moments, Denis Zakharov and Sergey Karasev hit crucial three-pointers that extended the team's lead even further.
The game ended in an 81:75 victory for Zenit. Winning the series 4-3, the blue-whites secured the gold medals not only of the VTB United League but also of the Russian Championship. This victory remains forever etched in the memory of St. Petersburg fans.
In the current season, Zenit and CSKA have once again met in the final round of the playoffs. The series is currently tied at 2-2. Tomorrow, June 6, Xavi Pascual’s squad will play Game 5 of the finals at home in the CSC Arena in St. Petersburg. Tip-off is at 19:30 local time.
