Zenit vs UNICS. Preview
Heading into the game against the Kazan side, Aleksander Sekulic’s team is in excellent spirits. On Wednesday, in their first VTB United League regular season match, the Blue-White-Sky Blues confidently defeated Saratov’s Avtodor, and today they held a pre-game practice at the CSC Arena. A pleasant bonus after training was the celebration of Levi Randolph,
Alexander Shcherbenev and Vladislav Emchenko’s birthdays — all three players were born on October 3.
Opponent
Last summer, UNICS made major roster changes: replacing their departing leaders, the team brought in a strong group of foreign players, some with EuroLeague experience. The Kazan roster was also strengthened by former Zenit guard Denis Zakharov.
During the preseason, the teams already met in the final of the Kondrashin and Belov Cup, where Zenit came out on top in a competitive friendly — 89:71.
UNICS opened the regular season with a convincing 103:83 victory over BETCITY PARMA, and the standout of that game was newcomer Marcus Bingham. The American center scored 27 points.
Velimir Perasoviс’s team clearly remembers last year’s tough semifinal defeat and, as always, is ready to challenge the league’s leaders in the upcoming season.
Head-to-head
UNICS and Zenit have played 45 games against each other in the VTB United League, with Kazan currently holding a narrow advantage — 24 to 21.
Direct speech
Zenit head coach Aleksander Sekuliс shared his thoughts ahead of tomorrow’s game:
UNICS is traditionally a very strong and well-organized team. They play very good basketball. They are defense-oriented and rely on a rather physical style of play. They always challenge their opponents, forcing them to play at their maximum. In offense, they have very talented players. Their roster is built to fight for the championship.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: UNICS
Location: CSC Arena, St. Petersburg
Date: October 4, 14:00 (local time)
Broadcast: Okko Sport, Match TV, VTB United League website, VK Video
Tickets available on the club’s website
