By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
An incredibly thrilling game was in store for us in the premiere of the VTB League Semifinals. One in which Unics Kazan scored 10 points in the last 50 seconds against Zenit St. Petersburg to come back from a -9 deficit and win 94 – 93.
On one hand the determination of coach Pashutin’s players and on the other, the guests’… suicidal behavior in the last minute prevented a major upset from happening. With the score 82 – 91 in favor of Zenit, Quino Colom scored the basket and then after his opponents made a turnover Arturas Milaknis sank the three-pointer for the 87 – 91! Jannis Timma gave up another possession for his team which Keith Langford took advantage of by making the lay up and then.. everything was up for grabs.
Timma then made 1/2 from the line and Langford quickly threw another basket from inside the paint, making it 91 – 92. Once again Timma scored only one out of his two free throws and Zenit had to play a clean defense. But its players made exactly the opposite, since Quino Colom penetrated, made the lay up and won a foul! His free throw was all that Unics needed, since Dowdell failed to change anything on the other side of the court.
Apart from the crucial hustle plays near the end, Keith Langford offered 30 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists to Unics. Kaspars Berzins was the top performer of Zenit with a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds.