"The first half was difficult": Popovic and Aksenov — about the victory over Novosibirsk

Zenit-2 head coach Oliver Popovich commented on the team’s victory over Novosibirsk (85:69) in the season opener.

— As I mentioned before the game, we were up against a very high-level team, one with clear ambitions to make it to the playoffs this year, without a doubt. Our guys did a great job. They especially excelled in defense during the third and fourth quarters, and that's what secured our win today.

— How did Egor Ryzhov and Igor Volkhin fit into the team and the game?

— They definitely helped us today. But it’s tough for me as a coach. They only trained with us once, yesterday. We experimented with various setups during the game: two big men, then one, then four. In the end, we only managed to win thanks to our defense. But I’m grateful to them. And thanks to the management for even allowing them to play for us today.

— What was the turning point in the game?

— Defense in the third quarter. Overall, we played pretty well defensively, but the third quarter and the beginning of the fourth were especially strong.

The game’s top scorer, Daniil Aksenov, also shared his emotions from the first Super League match of the 2024/25 season. In the game, he scored 24 points, along with 6 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals.

— Congratulations on a winning start to the season. How did the game go?

— Firstly, thank you very much. I also want to thank our fans right away. There were plenty of them in the stands. It’s always great to play at home with their support, to hear that support. I hope this continues. As for the game, the first half was difficult for all of us, to be honest. It felt like we weren’t fully engaged. I think it’s because it was the first official game, and we have a lot of young guys who wanted to prove themselves. Even us older guys wanted to prove ourselves and win for the team, so we struggled a bit. In the second half, we became more confident and precise in our attacks, identified our strengths, and learned how to exploit them. The coaching staff gave us even more guidance and nuances, which is how we achieved a "+15" score.

— How did Igor Volkhin and Egor Ryzhov fit into the game?

They were incredible, really. They really strengthened our team. Sure, you could say that other guys didn’t get as much playing time, but the experience they gained from playing with guys like them will help players grow. So when they’re in the starting lineup and we don’t have reinforcements, young players can show the same level or at least their maximum.

— Today, you showed some incredible three-point shooting statistics. What’s the secret?

— The secret is in practice and mental preparation. I know I practice that shot a lot. I’m confident in my abilities. My teammates know it, the coach knows it. So when there’s no doubt, it works out. Of course, a shot is an uncontrollable weapon, as everyone loves to say. But with the right approach, you’re always a threat. And when you’re a threat from the three-point line, you can create opportunities for others, as happened today. If two guards came out on me, it created openings for my teammates.