Zenit loses in Krasnodar

Zenit lost to Lokomotiv Kuban on the road with a score of 95:85. The match was part of the 21st round of the VTB United League regular season.

The Blue-White-Sky Blues started the game against the Krasnodar side with the lineup Frazier-Martiuk-Zhbanov-Randolph-Samanic. The first possession went to Zenit, and then Andrey Martiuk opened the scoring with a dunk. However, the hosts soon took control, executing a series of effective attacks and building a solid lead while Zenit missed their shots. Even after Aleksander Sekulic called a timeout, Loko continued their run, extending it to 14:0 with a three-pointer from Mike Moore. In fact, looking ahead, the opponent maintained a high three-point shooting percentage throughout the game, which significantly influenced the match. Midway through the quarter, Zenit managed a small response: Martiuk scored on drives, grabbed second-chance points, and converted free throws, clearly standing out as the team’s best performer. However, the Blue-White-Sky Blues were plagued by defensive errors and poor shooting overall. Vladislav Emchenko’s entrance energized the offense, as he quickly scored an inside shot and a three-pointer. By the first break, the score was 31:18 in favor of the Krasnodar team.

After halftime, the situation worsened for Zenit. Lokomotiv continued at the same pace, hitting both close and long-range shots, eventually reaching a 24-point lead. Despite the tough circumstances, the team from St. Petersburg searched for ways to break through the opponent’s defense. By the end of the half, Zenit managed to cut the deficit: Martiuk was first on the boards, Frazier hit accurate three-pointers, and Roberson drove to the basket. Fouls also played a role, as Zenit successfully converted free throws. By halftime, the scoreboard read 54:37.

The third quarter was tightly contested. Zenit refused to accept their situation, while Loko effectively used their advantage, controlling the pace of the game. The hosts were boosted by standout performances from Vsevolod Ischenko, Jeremiah Martin, and B.J. Johnson. Zenit responded with precise three-pointers from Karasev and Frazier, and continued drawing fouls on the opponents. By the end of the quarter, Krasnodar led 79:58.

At the start of the final quarter, Zenit went on a 13:2 run, cutting the deficit to 10 points. Frazier completed an and-one play and a drive, converted a free throw after a technical foul from Hunter, Martiuk scored on a drive, Karasev hit from distance, and Emchenko made a couple of free throws. The comeback was underway, prompting Loko to call a timeout with 6:20 remaining. After adjustments from Tomislav Tomovic, the Ischenko-Hunter duo completed an alley-oop, leading Zenit’s coaching staff to call a timeout. By mid-quarter, the Loko calmed the game, stopped the guests’ momentum, and began extending the lead again. When the 10-point deficit turned into 17 points in just a few minutes, Sekulic took the final timeout. St. Petersburg had 3:30 left for a final push, but it wasn’t enough. The final score was 95:85.

Zenit’s top performers in today’s match were Trent Frazier (20 points, 9 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals) and Andrey Martiuk (16 points, 8 rebounds, 1 block).

In the next round of the VTB United League regular season, the Blue-White-Sky Blues team will play against Moscow’s MBA-MAI on the road. The match will take place on January 21 and start at 19:00.