Pari Nizhny Novgorod vs Zenit: Preview
Xavi Pascual's team is returning to its usual rhythm after the international break and will play an away match in Nizhny Novgorod. This game against the Volga team will conclude blue-whites' extended away series.
Context
After a strong start to the season (6 wins in 8 games, including a home victory over CSKA), Pari Nizhny Novgorod experienced a slight slump, resulting in four consecutive losses at the end of October and the beginning of November. This challenging stretch is largely explained by a tough schedule: games against Loko, CSKA again, and UNICS followed closely one after another. Add to that a grueling trip to Krasnoyarsk (79:77), where Sergey Kozin's squad was just a step away from victory. However, before the international break, Pari NN managed to recover with wins over teams from the second half, and they now hold sole possession of 5th place in the standings.
The home team’s leader is Zach Nutall. The American guard ranks in the top 4 scorers of the VTB United League, averaging 15.9 points per game. Only Bryant Crawford (Avtodor, 16.3), Jeremiah Martin (Uralmash, 16.7) and Zenit's Dwayne Bacon (16.8) rank higher. During a stellar November, Bacon reclaimed the title of the most prolific scorer in the regular season. Additionally, Nutall is the league’s best scorer in the second quarter, according to the league's digest, averaging no less than 5.2 points in that period. Bacon, on the other hand, dominates the third quarter with 5.9 points. Tomorrow’s matchup promises a fiery duel between these two sharpshooters.
After completing one-third of the regular season, Pari Nizhny Novgorod has become the league’s best passing team, averaging 20.5 assists per game. However, their weak spots lie in rebounding and defense. Sergey Kozin's team ranks second-to-last in defensive rebounds and has the league’s fewest blocks — just 1.5 per game.
Head-to-head
This will be the 28th meeting between the two teams. So far, Zenit holds a commanding lead in the rivalry, with 19 wins compared to the home team’s 8.
Quotes
Zenit head coach Xavi Pascual shared his thoughts ahead of the away match against Pari NN:
They are working very well all the season. I like their game, they are extremely serious in defence and offence, they follow always the plan of the coach. I have to congratulate them for how they are doing until now and we have big respect for them and we know that it's going to be a very difficult game.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: Pari Nizhny Novgorod
Location: KRK "Nagornyy", Nizhny Novgorod
Date: November 29, 19:00 (St. Petersburg time)
Broadcast: Match! Igra, Okko Sport, VTB United League website, Start
