Stellar Baron and Loyd's duo combines for 47 points to power Zenit over Baskonia / News - Basketnews.com

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Zenit Saint Petersburg (14-7) prevailed Bitci Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (7-15), 90-82 (22-24, 22-26, 18-14, 28-18), extending Basques' losing streak to 4 games.

Player of the Game EFF 30 Jordan Loyd Points 23 Accuracy 5-13 Rebounds 7 Assists 3

Paced by Jordan Loyd and Billy Baron, Zenit opened the last quarter with an 11-4 spurt and gained a 5-point advantage (73-68).

That was not the end, as Alex Poythress scored a duo, Billy Baron converted a 3+1 play and Zenit were in front by 11 points (79-68) with 4:50 to go.

However, Baskonia were not ready to raise the white flag. Simone Fontecchio nailed a trey, Steven Enoch made both shots from the line, while Baskonia cut their deficit to 6 (75-81). Nevertheless, Billy Baron responded with 3 successful free throws in a row (84-76).

Wade Baldwin contributed on the other end (78-84). Alex Poythress sank one free shot from the charity stripe but Jason Granger answered him with a two-pointer (80-85) on his own with 1:03 to play.

Zenit got a crucial stop and Jordan Loyd sealed the deal with shots from the line (87-80) with 30 seconds left on the clock.

Zenit's backcourt duo of Billy Baron and Jordan Loyd were outstanding tonight. Baron finished the game with 24 points (3/4 2PT, 4/9 3PT, 6/7 FT), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 26 PIR. Loyd had 23 points (3/6 2PT, 3/7 3PT, 11/12 FT), 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 turnover, and 29 PIR.

Wade Baldwin was the top scorer for Baskonia, accumulating 16 points (6/8 2PT, 0/2 3PT, 4/4 FT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, and 20 PIR.

Zenit were blazing hot from downtown, shooting 6/9 against Baskonia in the first half. Billy Baron converted three shots from behind the arc. Despite that, the Russian club was behind Baskonia 50-44 after the first half.

The Basques blew up their 9-point advantage (54-45) in the third quarter but, led by Rokas Giedraitis, Neven Spahija's squad managed to be in front by 2 points (64-62) before the last 10 minutes of the match.

Zenit: Billy Baron 24, Jordan Loyd 23 (7 REB), Jordan Mickey 16.

Baskonia: Wade Baldwin 16 (4 REB), Steven Enoch 15 (8 REB), Rokas Giedraitis 14 (4 AST), Jason Granger 13.

Highlights

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