The farm team lost to Kupol Rodniki
As in the previous game against Temp-SUMZ, the Blue-White-Sky Blues’ starting five featured Egor Evstafiev, Vladislav Samukhin, Dmitry Rodionov, Ilyas Abdul, and Ivan Prokopenko.
From the opening minutes, the game unfolded with intense pressure from both sides. Until the middle of the first quarter, the opponents were evenly matched and did not allow a significant gap. However, at one point the Izhevsk side managed to pull ahead by six points. The visitors’ surge was answered by a run from the hosts: Khodorich and Dulkay converted free throws, Chikishev knocked down a three-pointer, and the opening quarter ended in a tie — 23:23.
After a short break, Zenit-2 picked up the pace and began to build a lead. While Kupol Rodniki failed to convert their chances, the hosts created a comfortable cushion that eventually reached seven points. However, it did not last long: Izhevsk center Egor Tsekhanovich finished attacks effectively and managed to turn the tide, putting the visitors back in front. Before halftime, the scoreboard showed 38:42 in favor of Kupol Rodniki.
For much of the third quarter, the visitors maintained their advantage. They were effective from beyond the arc and worked well defensively, preventing Zenit-2 from finding their rhythm. Nevertheless, the determination and energy displayed by the St. Petersburg side kept them in the game heading into the decisive stretch — 58:63.
In the final ten minutes, Zenit-2 gradually closed the gap, setting up a clutch finish. The tense ending could have gone the hosts’ way if Mikhail Dulkay, who tied the game with a drive, had also converted the free throw awarded after the foul. However, he missed, and the game went into overtime at 75:75.
In the extra period, the teams went toe-to-toe, and the decisive moment came when Maxim Khozyashev made a free throw with two seconds left on the clock, securing an 84:85 victory for Kupol Rodniki.
The top scorers for Zenit-2 were Egor Evstafiev (23 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal), Ivan Prokopenko (14 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block), and Dmitry Rodionov (12 points, 2 rebounds).
Zenit-2’s next game will take place after the break on March 6. The matchup against CSKA-2 will be held at the Zenit Basketball Academy court (Severnaya Road, 12), and admission is free.
