Zenit vs Uralmash. Game 2 preview
Opponent
Uralmash played a strong first game, opening the series with a road win of 78:85. The score is now 0-1, and Zenit is forced to come from behind right at the start of the playoffs. Let's break down the key moments of the opening quarterfinal match.
One of the decisive factors yesterday was three-point shooting. The visitors made 57.9% of their three-pointers (11/19), which seriously impacted the flow of the game. The Blue-White-Sky Blues took more shots from beyond the arc (7/22) but were less accurate — 31.8%.
The third quarter was decisive. Yekaterinburg's 27:10 run certainly knocked the Zenit players off balance and, despite a comeback in the final stretch, significantly affected the final result. It was precisely the need to analyze the third ten-minute period that St. Petersburg's head coach, Dejan Radonjić, spoke about during the post-game press conference.
As we noted before the first game, the main danger in the opponent's lineup was Garrett Nevels. Uralmash's top scorer lived up to his title, scoring 27 points. Stopping the American guard will be a tough but achievable task in the second matchup.
Head-to-head
Let's look at the VTB United League statistics. The score in the quarterfinal series is 0-1 in favor of Uralmash. The season series record is 3-2 in favor of Zenit. The all-time head-to-head record in the tournament is 11-5, also in favor of the Blue-White-Sky Blues.
Direct speech
The head coach of the St. Petersburg team Dejan Radonjić spoke about what his team needs to do to get revenge in Game 2:
First of all, what we need — to play better than yesterday, on both ends, of course, to improve our man-to-man defense. Offensively we need to read a better game than what we did the Game 1. Also what will be very important to play much more minutes quite good on both ends to control the game.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: Uralmash
Location: CSC Arena, St. Petersburg
Date: April 28, 20:00 (local time)
Broadcast: Okko Sport, Match TV, Match! Igra, VTB United League website, VK Video
Tickets available on the club’s website
