UNICS vs Zenit. Game 2 preview
Opponent
Overtime, a barrage of three-pointers, and over a hundred points scored by both teams… You couldn't ask for a better start to the series. But actually, you could — a win on the road at the start of the semifinals slipped away from the Blue-White-Sky Blues (107:104 in favor of the home team). The team is undoubtedly determined to respond and take revenge in Game 2.
The main danger in the previous meeting came from the Kazan duo of Reynolds and Pierre, who combined for 50 points. Zenit had their own duo driving the team forward: Luka Šamanić (28 points) and Georgy Zhbanov (23 points) posted career-high scoring totals in the VTB League along with excellent shooting numbers from beyond the arc. We’ll likely see this sharpshooter duel continue throughout the semifinal series.
After such a shootout in the opening game, we can expect tougher defense and more individual marking in tomorrow's matchup. Soon enough, we'll see how the head coaches' adjustments affect the situation on the court.
Head-to-head
UNICS leads 1-0 in the series, 4-3 over the course of the season, and 27-23 all-time in the VTB United League. Time to close the gap!
Direct speech
Blue-White-Sky Blues head coach Dejan Radonjić gave a comment ahead of the second game at the Basket Hall:
As I said before the first game, I will repeat one more time. We can expect a tough and very physical game. We need to repeat some good things from the first game. In the same time we need to improve some segments also what we did yesterday. What will be very important is to control the rhythm of the game.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: UNICS
Location: Basket Hall, Kazan
Date: May 13, 19:00 St. Petersburg time
Broadcast: Okko Sport, Match! Igra, VTB United League website, VK Video, Start Triumph
