Top scorers
Tsmoki-Minsk: Robert Lowery (22 + 6 rebounds + 4 steals), Maksim Salash (10)
Zenit: Austin Hollins (16), Alex Renfroe (15 + 7 assists + 7 steals), Will Thomas (13).
The game started with teams being reserved. Minsk was not shocked by the famous opponent. The hosts kept in the rhythm of the game as Lowery showed his individual skills, and Mirkovic – Gavrilovic duo worked in sync. But still, Zenit controlled the game with long-rangre plays. Three-pointers by Hollins, Renfroe and Thomas supported by mid-range shot of Ponkrashov got them the first quarter 18:14.
The guests needed 90 seconds of the second quarter to build double-digit lead – 25:14. But the guests came back led by Robert Lowery who starred in both offense and defense. The Dragons even took the lead as Salash got another basket – 28:27. However, Zenit took control back: aggressive defensive mode, Renfroe and Thomas’ shots, and Petersburg won the first half 39:30.
Tsmoki managed to keep the intrigue thanks to skills of their leaders. Still, Zenit have skills at different level. Aggressive defense, long-distance shots and the lead was increasing. In the beginning of the final quarter they surpassed +20 margin. The rest of the game was no doubt. Zenit maintained the differential and won.
Tsmoki-Minsk head coach Rostislav Vergun:
“First of all, I apologize to our fans. We had a full crowd with amazing atmosphere. This is what we strive for. I feel shame for the game we showed today. I promisse we will figure it out and this will not happen again. Congrats to Zenit.”
Zenit head coach Joan Plaza:
“We knew what to expect from them. Tsmoki created troubles for CSKA last week, had won 2 of 3 prior to that, had 7 games with margin of -5 and less. All the players and coaches knew it would not be a piece of cake. The hosts haven’t scored more than 16 points per quarter which means our defense was not bad. I can’t say our game was fantastic, but it was not bad. We deserved to win.”