On February 2, 2025, Zenit St. Petersburg made headlines by defeating CSKA Moscow 79-66 during their VTB United League match held at the Megasport Arena. This victory was significant for Zenit, as it showcased their skills against one of the most esteemed teams in Russian basketball.
Zenit’s win over the defending champions was marked by outstanding performances, particularly from Trent Frazier, who led the scoring with 27 points, alongside 2 assists and 2 steals. Frazier's exceptional display was instrumental as Zenit continued to demonstrate their competitive edge on the court. His ability to secure points when they mattered most was on full display throughout the game.
On the opposing side, CSKA Moscow's standout player, Melo Trimble, also made significant contributions. Trimble scored 21 points, pulled down 5 rebounds, and provided 4 assists. Despite his individual success, CSKA fell short against Zenit’s disciplined approach and effective strategies. "The team fought hard, but we couldn't close the gap at the end," Trimble remarked following the game.
Returning star Alexey Shved added to the narrative of the game, scoring 9 points, alongside 2 rebounds and 6 assists. This marked a notable comeback for Shved, who has been pivotal to Zenit since his return to the Russian league. Even though he struggled to hit his usual shooting percentages, his vision on the court remained evident, helping to drive the offense effectively.
The match unfolded over four quarters, highlighted by Zenit's strong start, leading 29-19 by the end of the first. The momentum shifted slightly during the second quarter where the teams traded baskets, with Zenit maintaining their lead at halftime with a score of 44-32. Despite CSKA's attempts to rally back, they managed to only outscore Zenit 18-12 during the third quarter. The final phase concluded with Zenit decisively sealing the game, displaying superior teamwork and defensive strategies.
Prior to the match, both teams had identical overall records of 24 wins and 5 losses, placing CSKA at the top of the league and Zenit closely behind. The outcome not only affected the morale of CSKA but also solidified Zenit's status as a formidable challenger. The league standings now see Zenit positioning itself strategically as they strive to narrow the gap with their Moscow rivals.
This victory is likely to boost Zenit's confidence as they prepare for their next encounter against Yenisei on the same day as this match. CSKA Moscow faces off against Samara, hoping to return to their winning ways and regain the momentum lost during this defeat.
The intensity of the VTB United League continues to rise as teams fight for playoff positioning. With Zenit now back on track, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the rest of the season plays out, particularly as both teams seek to establish their dominance within the league.