Lokomotiv Kuban vs Zenit. Preview
Context
Andrey Vedischev’s team’s winning streak came to an end last Sunday in their 10th game. Their matchup against CSKA Moscow ended with a score of 92:91, leaving the United League without any undefeated teams this season. The game was a tense battle, but in the final stretch, CSKA’s long-range shots made the difference. Despite a brilliant performance from Kuban's point guard Patrick Miller, who nearly led his team to victory with 30 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists, it wasn’t enough. For his efforts, Miller was named to the symbolic Team of the Week, joined by St. Petersburg’s guard, Xavier Moon.
Despite this first defeat, the hosts will undoubtedly continue promoting their open, attacking basketball style, utilizing both their foreign players and a strong base of Russian talent and academy graduates.
Zenit and Lokomotiv Kuban are the highest-scoring teams in the League after the first rounds of regular season play. The home team averages 90.9 points per game (909 in total) and leads in this category. St. Petersburg’s team is not far behind, with an average of 89.6 points per game and 896 overall.
Additionally, our opponent ranks among the top in the league for rebounds (39.7) and steals (9.3). They also lead in blocks per game (5.2), while Zenit follows closely behind with 5.1 blocks.
Head-to-head
In all-time VTB United League matchups, the teams have faced each other 33 times. The October meeting slightly closed the gap, but the blue-whites still lead in victories, with 17 wins against Krasnodar’s 16.
Quotes
Zenit head coach Xavi Pascual shared his thoughts before the trip to Krasnodar:
We are going to play a big game with one of the teams we lost in the first round. And for sure after game at home that we couldn't win, we will try to do it over here. So if we want to do it, we have to play on our maximum level.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: Lokomotiv-Kuban
Location: Basket Hall, Krasnodar
Date: November 3, 15:00 St. Petersburg time
Broadcast: Match TV, United League website, Okko Sport, Start
