Zenit takes a 2-1 lead in the quarterfinal series

Zenit defeats Uralmash on the road in the third game of the VTB United League quarterfinals. The match ended with a score of 65:82 in favor of the Blue-White-Sky Blues. Thanks to this victory, the St. Petersburg team has taken a 2-1 lead in the series.

Zenit's starting five: Andre Roberson, Trent Frazier, Johnny Juzang, Andrey Martiuk, Georgy Zhbanov.

The opening minutes belonged to the visitors. The Blue-White-Sky Blues started the game with a 10:0 run and immediately took control. Roberson and Zhbanov were particularly impressive, scoring from under the basket, sometimes drawing fouls. Closer to the middle of the quarter, Uralmash managed to tighten up their defense and started scoring, cutting the deficit to 4 points. However, before the break, the Blue-White-Sky Blues managed to restore their handicap, largely thanks to the efficiency of their big men — Roberson was on fire. The first quarter ended with a score of 15:28 in favor of the visitors.

The second quarter brought mistakes. The Yekaterinburg team increased the tempo, hit threes, and capitalized on the opponent's defensive errors and turnovers. The lead on the scoreboard evaporated again and was only 3 points after fifteen minutes of play. Their own three-pointers helped turn the tide: Trent and Johnny were pouring in shots from beyond the arc, driving the St. Petersburg team forward. The teams headed to the locker room at halftime with the score 44:52.

In the second half, Zenit completely neutralized the home team's main weapon — long-range shots. The third quarter was the lowest-scoring, but still went to Uralmash — 12:7. The teams got stuck in a grueling battle and were ready to settle the winner in the final stretch — 56:59.

In the final quarter, the Blue-White-Sky Blues didn't let go. Uralmash's offense faltered while Zenit actively used their chances and kept pulling further ahead. The match ended with a score of 65:82. St. Petersburg took a 2-1 lead in the quarterfinal series.

The top performers for our team today were Andre Roberson (18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals), Georgy Zhbanov (17 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal), and Trent Frazier (13 points, 6 assists, 2 steals).

Game 4 of the quarterfinals will also take place in Yekaterinburg the day after tomorrow, May 4. The match starts at 17:30 St. Petersburg time.