For the medals

PRE-GAME BREAKDOWN

This year, the champion and vice-champion did not make it to the final series, and for both it happened in a dramatic fight. CSKA lost to Lokomotiv-Kuban in overtime of the Game 7, and Zenit missed the opportunity to go to overtime due to a free throws just before the buzzer.

Because of the figure skating show, the teams could not train at Megasport on the eve of the game. That's why the Muscovites held a practice at the main arena of the Basket Hall in Krylatskoye. Injured Semyon Antonov and Alexey Shved did not take part in it.

PRE-GAME QUOTES

Emil Rajkovic, CSKA head coach:

We must forget what was going on recently and try to prepare for this games. Without Alex [Shved] we have to reorganize our offense to prepare and bring in some new tactical things. It’s important for us to play to the maximum of our abilities and go for a win.

PAST MATCHUPS

Wins-losses: 27-12 (5-0 in EuroLeague, 18-0 against Triumph Lyubertsy)

Games of the 2022-23 VTB United League season:

01-Nov-2022. 1st stage. Zenit - CSKA: 80-85 (+5)
20-Jan-2023. 1st stage. CSKA - Zenit: 80-100 (+20)
06-Feb-2023. 2nd stage. CSKA - Zenit: 88-90 (-4)
13-Mar-2023. 2nd stage. Zenit - CSKA: 69-72 (+3)

SHORT DOSSIER

Zenit St.Petersburg, Russia

Founded: 2014
Colors: dark-blue, white, light-blue
Homecourt: SIBUR Arena (7,120)
CEO: Alexander Tserkovny
Head coach: Xavi Pascual
Website: bc-zenit.com