Zenit vs Lokomotiv Kuban. Game 2 preview
Opponent
In the first game, the Krasnodar team showed a less-than-ideal three-point percentage (5/16, 31.3%), suffered from unforced turnovers just like Zenit, and trailed by 17 points in the fourth quarter. But at the end, Loko seized the moment and managed to shake the Blue-White-Sky Blues, cutting the deficit to 2 points. A quick break in the final seconds, had it been successful, could have brought the red-greens a victory in the first game of the bronze series. So once again, we have confirmation that concentration must be at the highest level for all 40 minutes.
The top scorer for Lokomotiv Kuban yesterday was Patrick Miller (19 points), but the potential clutch hero could have been Mike Moore. Apart from one three-pointer by Miller, Moore was the only player for Krasnodar who actively and, most importantly, successfully operated from the perimeter, making four long-range shots. A couple came at the end, and one of them — that very shot with a few seconds left on the clock — nearly brought Loko the win, but the ball refused to go in.
Head-to-head
Yesterday's victory allowed Zenit to strengthen its lead in this head-to-head rivalry in the VTB United League — 25 wins against the opponent's 23.
Direct speech
Zenit's interim head coach Rostislav Vergun shared his thoughts ahead of Game 2:
It's very important to understand that only one step has been taken. The next task is the second game. The second game is about maintaining home-court advantage. Unlike a best-of-seven series, in a best-of-five series this is enormously important, because the next two games will be on the road, and it's very important for us to close this matter out at home. So all thoughts are only on the second game.
We need to draw the right conclusions about the things we can do better, or improve what we've been doing well. We really hope there will be enough time for everyone to recover their condition and be ready for the next battle. Once again, we are grateful to the fans for their support. We look forward to seeing you at tomorrow's game and will try to make you happy.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: Lokomotiv Kuban
Location: CSC Arena, St. Petersburg
Date: June 3, 19:30 (local time)
Broadcast: Okko Sport, Match TV, Match! Igra, VTB United League website, VK Video
Tickets available on the club’s website
