Euroleague preseason: Khimki slips to Estudiantes

There was mixed fortunes for Russian clubs during preseason friendlies in Spain on Tuesday. Euroleague hopeful Khimki saw its preparations dented by an inspired home performance by Estudiantes. Lleida could not produce a similar home performance against Zenit St. Petersburg. The Russian club took apart the Spaniards.

Estudiantes vs. Khimki Moscow Region, 70-60

Euroleague challengers Khimki Moscow Region will be disappointed to have lost this warm up game to Estudiantes. Indeed, the Spanish hosts cruised to a comfortable win over their more illustrious opponents. It was a close first quarter in which the teams traded the lead until the scoreboard was locked on 15-15 through ten minutes.

Estudiantes soon opened up and eased through the second quarter to lead 38-28 through the long break. The hosts would hold that same lead deficit at the end of the game, opening up a 12 points cushion through thirty minutes before cruising down the straight.

Edgar Vicedo topped the win with 15 points, Edwin Jackson also secured 15 points, and Ali Traore added 12 points.

Earl Rowland paced the losing effort with 14 points, while Justin Carter scored 13 points.

Lleida vs. Zenit St. Petersburg, 77-111

In its Spanish exhibition, Zenit St. Petersburg demolished Lleida with a blistering display of offensive hoops. The Russians started hot and plundered 25 points in the opening quarter while stopping Lleida at 19 points. Zenit continued the momentum in the second frame with a 32 points haul to create a massive halftime lead.

That advantage was extended further as the guests opened a 28 point lead through the third quarter and then unloaded 27 points in the fourth quarter. St. Petersburg was in great touch year, scoring at least 25 points in each quarter.

Janis Timma pushed Zenit with 22 points, while Aaron White added 17 points, and Ryan Toolson managed 16 points.

Luka Rupnik and Leonardo Demetrio scored 16 points apiece in the loss.