Andre Roberson: "Fighting, going out there, putting our body on the line and doing it for the Zenit fans"

Blue-White-Sky Blues forward Andre Roberson spoke to Zenit TV about how the team managed to secure a road victory in the VTB United League game against BETCITY PARMA (78:84), and also highlighted the team spirit of the St. Petersburg side.

— It was a tough start — you were trailing for most of the game, down by as many as 12. What was the coach telling you in those moments?

— So basically coach was telling us to just stick with it, stick with the game plan. We knew we were on the road, stick together. and then try to come out and execute the game plan, which we did. And we had to scrap. We knew they were at home, they're a great team, and have a great fan base. And we did a good job of going out there and executing the game plan, sticking together, and coming out with the victory.

— In the third quarter, you gradually fought your way back and eventually took the lead for the first time. What helped you turn the game around?

— Just figuring out our matchups, figuring out our chemistry, getting more into the flow. We knew the game is part of swings, momentum, and we kind of took the momentum and ran with it. We've struggled on a lot of stops, and we're going to make some big-time plays for us, and didn't look back from there. So it was great. We all fought together, and that's how we got to play from here on out.

— Did you speak with Sergey Karasev about how he’s feeling?

— Yeah, SK is doing better. He got pretty banged up there. I think he might have a concussion. But he's going to be all right. He's a tough warrior, and he's got the Russian blood.

— Can this game be considered a reflection of Zenit’s team spirit?

— This game is definitely a reflection of the Zenit spirit. We go out there and put our pride on the line and go out there and execute the game plan and stick it together. That's what this team is all about, fighting and coming out on top. So that's what we did tonight and it was great. Great team win.

— The team had only 12 assists, was outrebounded by Parma, and several possessions ended with late-clock attempts. How do you explain that?

— Just figuring out the flow of the game, figuring out what they were trying to do. But we know we still have to stay patient. We let them oppose their will on us early, and we kind of knew that, but we knew we had to fight back. So that's what this team is all about, is fighting and going out there and putting our body on the line and doing it for the Zenit fans.

— You managed to contain Carter. Do you think that was the key factor in securing the win?

— I don't know about containing Carter, but we did a good job at him toward late game. I think he opposed as well on us early. I think he had like 20 and 10. But we fought back, you know, and going out there and executing good stops late in the game and making it tough for him. So it wasn't just one person. It was a whole team effort, and that's what it's going to take. Hopefully we get our five-man back. Four and five-man back. Luka? (laughing)

— Now there’s a break for national team games, and the team will have a few days off. How are you planning to spend that time?

— I plan on spending my break probably back in St. Petersburg. I don't really have much time to do anything, but it's good to have a couple days off and get my body back under me and come back to work stronger. Finish out the rest of the season strong and try to win a championship.