Zenit vs Pari Nizhny Novgorod. Preview
Opponent
The New Year has not started easily for the team from the Volga region. After a hard-fought away win over Enisey (76:72), the Nizhny Novgorod side suffered a surprising defeat to Zenit-2 in the first leg of the Russian Cup quarterfinals, which took place in Saint Petersburg. During the game, the Blue-White-Sky Blues’ farm team — mostly made up of players from the Zenit Basketball Academy — led by as many as 17 points, but the match eventually ended 84:83. Last weekend, Sergey Kozin’s team then lost at home to Uralmash (73:76).
Despite these painful losses, Pari NN continues to fight for both a VTB United League playoff spot and a place in the Russian Cup Final Four. Therefore, the Blue-White-Sky Blues need to stay more focused than ever.
The visitors’ on-court leader remains Isaiah Washington. On average, the American guard records 15.1 points, 6.1 assists (top-4 in the League), and 4.4 rebounds per game.
Head-to-head
Tomorrow’s game will be the third meeting between Zenit and Pari NN this season. The previous two matchups went Zenit’s way (84:64 and 102:80). Overall, the teams have faced each other 32 times: Saint Petersburg have claimed 24 wins, while Nizhny Novgorod have won 8 games.
Direct speech
Zenit head coach Aleksander Sekulic shared his thoughts ahead of the home game:
We played them two times already this season and we know exactly what they gonna do. Now they have full roster, Baburin is back.They have very competitive, very tough team. They play strong and tough in defence, structure offense. We just need to play them the correct way.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: Pari Nizhny Novgorod
Location: CSC Arena, St. Petersburg
Date: January 14, 19:30 (local time)
Broadcasts: VTB League website, VK Video
Tickets available on the club’s website
