Zenit vs UNICS. Game 3 preview
Opponent
The Kazan team managed to win the first home game in overtime (107:104), but the second match went to Zenit (69:78). In that winning game, Dejan Radonjić's players demonstrated a high level of defensive play, especially in the second quarter — allowing only 6 points to the opponent. Even despite a chaotic third ten-minute period, the control that our squad had seized before the big break remained in their hands.
UNICS, however, was let down by their shooting from beyond the arc (21.7%), although from close range their numbers were more than solid — 18/35 (51.4%). In both semifinal meetings, the greens pressed aggressively, which in the second game led to 19 turnovers.
UNICS's leading scorer in the previous match was Jalen Reynolds — 24 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal in nearly 29 minutes on the court. The former Zenit center suffered a knee injury before halftime but quickly returned to the floor and drove his team forward. The question of how much the injury will affect the big man's participation in the following games remains open.
Head-to-head
The series is tied 1-1. We are now guaranteed not only two games in St. Petersburg, but also a fifth match in Kazan on May 25. Thanks to the road win, home-court advantage now belongs to Zenit.
Direct speech
Zenit head coach Dejan Radonjić shared his thoughts ahead of the match:
The third game is against UNICS. This time at home. As I said before the first and second games, it will again be a tough and very physical game. We have to do a lot of good things, both defensively and offensively, to stay in the game and to win it.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: UNICS
Location: CSC Arena, St. Petersburg
Date: May 17, 13:00 (local time)
Broadcast: Okko Sport, Match! Strana, VTB United League website, VK Video, Start
