Zenit vs Lokomotiv Kuban. Game 5 preview. Series decider
Opponent
After two losses in St. Petersburg, the red-greens delivered a powerful response on their home court. The matches in Krasnodar ended with scores of 85:81 and 91:85 in favor of Loko. The series now returns to Zenit's home arena, where we will see the final game of the VTB United League season.
In the previous fourth match against the Krasnodar team, the Blue-White-Sky Blues allowed their opponent to make a key run in the fourth quarter — the hosts' lead reached 20 points. However, in the final minutes, Zenit showed character, attempting a comeback, but there was too little time left.
One of the key aspects of the opponent's game in Game 4 was their high shooting percentage — both from close range (64.3%) and from long range (46.7%). In the decisive game, Zenit's defense will face a tough challenge against Loko's shooters, but we believe in our team and expect nothing but a victory!
Head-to-head
The series score is 2-2. Over the entire season, Lokomotiv Kuban leads 5-3. In the overall history of their VTB United League rivalry, Zenit holds the advantage at 26-25.
Direct speech
Zenit's interim head coach Rostislav Vergun shared his comments ahead of the final match of the season:
There’s no need to look for any special words here. We've reached the point where we are the last ones left playing in Russian basketball. We understand the level of attention on this game, and we need to forget everything that came before. That no longer matters. We have about 70-75 offensive possessions and 70-75 defensive possessions left. Whoever makes better use of them, whoever is more focused, tougher, more disciplined — will have the chance to take this game.
Everyone wants to win equally. The question is who will put in more effort, who can be in the right state of mind. There will be a lot of battling, I'm sure. We really missed the support of the stands in Games 3 and 4, so we want to get back to the feeling we had in the first matches of the series.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: Lokomotiv Kuban
Location: CSC Arena, St. Petersburg
Date: June 12, 13:00 (local time)
Broadcast: Okko Sport, Match! Strana, VTB United League website, VK Video, Start, Start Basket
