Still winless: Mickey and Poythress lead Zenit to the win despite Bayern's comeback / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Sergey Grachev/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Sergey Grachev/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Zenit Saint Petersburg (3-1) got their third win of the Turkish Airlines Euroleague season against FC Bayern Munich (0-4) for 79-71 (31-16, 12-19, 11-25, 25-11)

Player of the Game EFF 20 Alex Poythress Points 14 Accuracy 4-7 Rebounds 6 Assists 1

After leading by 17 points during the first half, Zenit wasn't able to keep that kind of lead in the second and Bayern built an important comeback, entering the final quarter with a 6-point lead.

But in the final 10 minutes, Zenit found their composure again and locked their defense, securing the win.

However, Andrea Trinchieri received a technical foul with just 18 seconds left on the clock which basically sealed Zenit's win.

"In the last quarter, we came back in the game, Xavi Pascual said after the game. "We started to feel the game again through the defense. It was a difficult situation in the last part of the third period. But step by step, we were better on defense, we were better on offense and we could change the way of the game. It is a big lesson for us."

Jordan Mickey was the top scorer for Zenit with 18 points (5/6 2PT, 2/5 3PT, 2/2 FT), 4 rebounds, 1 steal, and 19 PIR.

Jordan Loyd's two free throws gave the final score of the game (79-71). Conner Frankamp's quick two-pointer gave Zenit a 5-point lead (70-65) with 3 minutes left on the clock.

Bayern entered into the final quarter with a 6-point lead (54-60). Zenit went into foul trouble real quickly in the final period, reaching 5 team fouls with more than 8 minutes left on the clock.

However, the Russian club did an impressive job defensively and put together a 10-2 run to get back on top (64-62).

"Bayern is known for fighting until the very end and that’s what they did," said Mickey. "We made some mistakes at the beginning of the third and we were able to buckle down and play our game and we were able to come out with a victory."

Free throws this season

71%14,5Points made:14,5Accuracy:70,7%Place in standings:5Record max:22Record min:10Most made FTs:Jordan LoydTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Corey Walden was on fire at the beginning of the third quarter and with 11 points led Bayern to a 13-4 run that gave the German side the first lead of the game (48-47). After Walden, it was Darrun Hilliard's time to get hot and with three straight three-pointers, the swingman gave Bayern a 7-point lead (52-59).

In the first quarter, Zenit started strong with a 13-0 run. Jordan Mickey was simply unstoppable and finished the quarter with 16 points. Bayern looked disconnected and unable to limit Zenit's offensive threat.

Zenit's lead arrived at 17 points but thanks to a 7-0 run, Bayern was able to cut down the lead to 9 points (38-29). The German side fought back better in the second quarter and finished the second quarter down by 8 points (43-35).

For Bayern, the top scorer was Darrun Hilliard with 24 points (4/4 2PT, 4/7 3PT, 4/6 FT), 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, and 20 PIR.

Zenit: Jordan Mickey 18, Alex Poythress 14 (6 REB), Conner Frankamp 12, Billy Baron 10

Bayern: Darrun Hilliard 24, Corey Walden 20 (7 AST).

Highlights

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