Zenit vs Lokomotiv Kuban. Game 1 preview
Zenit
The Blue-White-Sky Blues lost to UNICS Kazan in the semifinal series — a 3-1 lead turned into a 3-4 defeat. Velimir Perasović's team advanced to the final against CSKA, while Zenit will battle for third place against Lokomotiv Kuban.
On May 29, it was announced that Zenit BC and head coach Dejan Radonjić have mutually agreed to terminate the coach’s contract, along with assistant coach Saša Kosović. Rostislav Vergun has been appointed interim head coach of Blue-White-Sky Blues for the remainder of the season and will prepare the team for the series against the Krasnodar side.
Opponent
The Kuban team started their semifinal with a surprise, defeating CSKA in Moscow in overtime — 88:97. However, CSKA won all subsequent games, closing out the series 4-1 on May 23.
A fierce battle awaits us between two top teams in the League. Both sides will want to redeem themselves after their semifinal losses and finish the season on a high note. Zenit will need to readjust following changes on the coaching bench and a short period for rest and recovery. We will see the results of this work on the court in the first game of the bronze series tomorrow.
Head-to-head
In the regular season, the record stands at 1-3 in favor of Loko. The only time the St. Petersburg team defeated the Krasnodar side this season was in their December home game — 98:69. Looking at the entire history of matchups between the teams in the VTB United League, there have been 47 games, and Zenit holds a minimal advantage — 24 wins versus 23 for the opponent.
Direct speech
Zenit's interim head coach Rostislav Vergun shared his thoughts ahead of the first game against Lokomotiv Kuban:
In my opinion, the most important thing in this series is the level of motivation of the players. Whoever has a higher level of motivation will have the advantage. I am confident that our roster has a sufficient number of players who have the motivation and desire to prove themselves and defend the honor of the club.
We understand that everyone has a certain feeling of disappointment, and perhaps — I'm not afraid to use this word — even a sense of guilt that we didn't manage to make it to the final series. We will greatly need the support of the fans, we are counting on the stands to come out and support us. We will try above all to show our will, character, desire to fight, and to properly represent the honor of the Zenit Basketball Club and the entire Zenit community.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: Lokomotiv Kuban
Location: CSC Arena, St. Petersburg
Date: June 1, 19:30 (local time)
Broadcast: Okko Sport, Match! Strana, Match! Igra, VTB United League website, VK Video, Start
Tickets available on the club’s website
