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Zenit secured a hard-fought win in their home VTB United League match against BETCITY PARMA — 74:64. For most of the game, the match was a battle of intense physicality and duels. Here’s a breakdown of the key moments from the game.
But first, it’s worth noting that the entertainment part of today’s match was dedicated to the recently celebrated International Women’s Day. Fans were treated to activities, photo zones, and contests. During the first timeout, the official opening of the women’s fan sector, Basket Sis, took place in section C10.
Starting Five for the Blue-White-Sky Blues: Trent Frazier, Sergey Karasev, Andrey Martiuk, Georgy Zhbanov, Luka Šamanić.
At first glance, the St. Petersburg team looked more confident in the opening minutes — PARMA responded to Zhbanov, Martiuk, and Šamanić’s baskets only with a drive from Carter. However, the guests soon picked up the pace and managed to take the lead. The beginning was very tight, with a high level of contest for every possession. When the score difference reached 4 points, Dejan Radonjić called a timeout. After the coach’s adjustments, the Blue-White-Sky Blues managed to temporarily halt the Urals’ momentum, and Moon scored from mid-range. Zenit’s defensive intensity increased, and the guests, unable to reach the paint, increasingly relied on long-range shots — sometimes successful, sometimes missing the mark. Offensively, Zenit also found their shots: Roberson made free throws, Uzinsky hit a three-pointer, and Moon scored at the last second of the possession. By the first break, PARMA led 16:18.
In the next period, the teams played tight, bone-to-bone defense, but the guests still had a slight edge. Zenit continued searching for their offensive rhythm, often running set plays to the final second. Thanks to free throws and Emchenko’s drive, the first half ended with a minimal gap — 35:36.
The close game continued after the main break. The teams stayed tightly matched, but toward the end of the third quarter, the blue-white-light blue squad went on a run and tied the score at 46:46, largely thanks to the Roberson-Moon duo. PARMA called a timeout, but even after the pause, Zenit maintained high pressure and took the lead. Going into the final quarter, the scoreboard read 51:46.
In the final ten minutes, the St. Petersburg team initially allowed their opponents a small comeback, but then extended their lead into double digits and held on for the win. Meanwhile, Andre Roberson recorded his first double-double in a Zenit jersey — 13 points and 13 rebounds, along with 1 assist and 1 block. The final score was 74:64.
On March 14, Zenit will play against Krasnoyarsk’s “Enisey” on the road. Tip-off is at 12:00 PM St. Petersburg time.
