Lokomotiv Kuban vs Zenit. Preview
Opponent
The Krasnodar side made changes on the coaching staff early in the new year. After a home loss to UNICS (77:81), Anton Yudin left the team. In the following game against Uralmash, which ended in a 77:64 victory for the Lokos, Yanko Pejcic served as acting head coach. Prior to the game against the Ekaterinburg club, it was announced that Lokomotiv Kuban would be led by Tomislav Tomovic. In the Serbian specialist’s debut game, Krasnodar lost to Enisey (78:86), but the next away game against MBA was a success and brought Tomovic his first VTB League win — 107:82.
Lokomotiv’s leader, Patrick Miller, averages 14.8 points per game and dishes out 7 assists — the best mark in the League. Statistically, Loko remain the top team in the VTB United League in steals, averaging 9.3 per game.
Head-to-head
This season, Zenit and Lokomotiv Kuban have met twice. The first game in Krasnodar ended with a 89:80 win for the hosts. In St. Petersburg, the Blue-White-Sky Blues secured a convincing revenge victory — 98:69. Overall, the rivalry includes 45 games, with a slight edge for the Northern Capital side — 24-21.
Direct speech
Zenit head coach Aleksander Sekulic commented ahead of tomorrow’s game:
We are playing against the team which changed the coach. This fact and playing home makes them very dangerous team. For us is important that we understand that they will react to loss with big difference one month ago. Our approach to this game must be like it is final game of championsip!
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: Lokomotiv Kuban
Location: Basket Hall, Krasnodar
Date: January 18, 15:30 (St. Petersburg time)
Broadcast: Okko Sport, Match TV, Match! Igra, VTB United League website, VK Video
