Zenit vs Uralmash. Preview

Zenit’s final match of the year will take place this Sunday at the CSC Arena. The blue-whites are inviting all fans to join them for this pre-New Year’s game. Here's a detailed preview of the upcoming match.

Context

It has been exactly two months since Zenit’s victory in Ekaterinburg (72:78). As it was back then, Zenit is approaching the game against Uralmash following a loss to one of its main competitors in the regular season. Meanwhile, the team from Ekaterinburg has been maintaining a steady pace, securing four wins in their last six games. This streak has earned them sole possession of sixth place and a chance to fight for a spot in the top five.

In their most recent match against Avtodor, the Ural squad confidently claimed victory thanks to an incredible 19:0 run at the transition from the third to the fourth quarter. The hero of that game for the "factory" team was their consistent leader, Jeremiah Martin, who racked up 27 points and 38 efficiency points. Currently, the guard is the top scorer of the regular season, averaging 19.1 points per game, and will undoubtedly be the primary threat to Zenit’s defense in the upcoming match.

It’s also worth noting that Uralmash’s roster has changed since our last meeting. First, they added experienced center Vladimir Ivlev to the team. More recently, forward Hayden Dalton joined from Samara. Dalton has already played three games in Uralmash’s colors and scored 16 points in the aforementioned clash against Avtodor.

Head-to-head

In the VTB United League, the teams have faced each other eight times. So far, the advantage is on Zenit’s side, with five victories against three wins for Uralmash.

Quotes

Zenit head coach Xavi Pascual shared his thoughts ahead of the home game against Uralmash:

It's the last game of the year and after our last game at home against UNICS, we have big motivation to win this game, to finish the year with one victory and also to continue in the good line that we are on this season. So, hopefully on Sunday at 5 o'clock the stadium will be full and we will give to our fans one nice game and we will enjoy together the last game of this year. 

Who. Where. When. 

Opponent: Uralmash

Location: CSC Arena, St. Petersburg

Date: December 22, 17:00 (local time)

Broadcast: Match! Igra, Okko Sport, VTB United League website, Start

Tickets are available on tickets.bc-zenit.com