Zenit defeats MBA-MAI on the home court
Zenit started the game with the following lineup: Trent Frazier, Andrey Martiuk, Georgy Zbanov, Levi Randolph, and Luka Šamanić.
The first points of the game were scored by Andrey Martiuk, as the center powered through the defense on a strong drive to the basket. Throughout the opening ten minutes, Zenit showcased a very high level of defense. In the first half of the quarter, the visitors managed to score only three points, thanks in large part to Georgy Zbanov, he recorded two steals in the first seven minutes of the game. As a result, the first quarter ended with a clear advantage for the Blue-White-Sky Blues, 21:7.
The second quarter began with points from MBA-MAI. Veteran VTB United League player and former Zenit guard Evgeny Voronov scored two points on a drive to the rim. However, Zenit soon returned to playing elite defense against the Moscow team. This allowed Dejan Radonjić’s side to build a maximum lead of 18 points. Toward the end of the second quarter, both teams began trading baskets. After MBA-MAI converted several scoring possessions in a row, Zenit called a timeout. The first half ended with the score at 46:31.
After returning from the locker room, both Zenit and MBA-MAI slowed the pace and relied more on half-court offense. This shift helped the Moscow team cut into the deficit in the third quarter. By controlling the tempo, the visitors went into the final ten minutes trailing by 10 points — 61:51.
The fourth quarter proved to be the toughest for Zenit. With seven minutes remaining, MBA-MAI reduced the gap to eight points. At that moment, Luka Šamanić took matters into his own hands and became Zenit’s primary offensive option. In the middle of the final period, he scored four points in just 40 seconds, which knocked the visitors off balance. The closing minutes were extremely tense, but Trent Frazier and Xavier Moon combined for seven points to steady the game for Zenit. Final score — 84:74.
The top performers for the Blue-White-Sky Blues today were Luka Šamanić (21 points, 9 rebounds, 1 block), Trent Frazier (18 points, 6 assists, 1 steal), and Georgy Zbanov (11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals).
Zenit’s next opponent will be Uralmash Yekaterinburg. On Thursday, February 12, Zenit will host the Round 5 group-stage game of the WINLINE Basket Cup at the CSC Arena in Saint Petersburg. Tip-off is scheduled for 20:00 local time. Tickets are available on the club’s official website.
The teams will meet again on February 19, this time in Yekaterinburg as part of the VTB United League. The game will take place at the DIVS Arena and will begin at 17:30 Saint Petersburg time.
