Lokomotiv Kuban vs Zenit. Game 4 preview
Opponent
Mike Moore became the X-factor for Loko in Game 3. The American forward finished with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 assist while knocking down 4-of-7 shots from beyond the arc. Ivan Samoylenko also delivered several crucial threes late in the game. Overall, Lokomotiv Kuban shot 45% from deep compared to 27.3% for Zenit.
Zenit, meanwhile, will be without Georgy Zhbanov for the remainder of the bronze-medal series after the forward suffered a muscle injury to his left leg.
Head-to-head
The teams have now met 50 times in the VTB United League, with Zenit holding a narrow 26-24 advantage.
Direct speech
Interim head coach of Zenit Rostislav Vergun ahead of Game 4:
All three games have been extremely close and physical. In my opinion, what we lacked most in the closing moments of Game 3 was composure and structure. We stopped moving the ball the way we did successfully in our home games and relied too much on individual play, which prevented us from closing the series. We need to get back to what made us successful and maintain team basketball on both ends of the floor for all 40 minutes.
On the impact of losing Georgy Zhbanov:
Losing any player forces adjustments, and we’ll definitely have to look for new combinations and new solutions. I wish Georgy a speedy recovery. He’s a proven fighter, and I know he wants to be out there competing. But of course, we have to prioritize his health and long-term career. I’m confident we have enough players ready to step up and compensate for his absence.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: Lokomotiv Kuban
Location: Basket Hall, Krasnodar
Date: June 9, 8:00 PM (St. Petersburg time)
Broadcast: Okko Sport, Match! Strana, Match! Igra, VTB United League website, VK Video, Start
