«Kalev» Tallinn, Estonia vs. «Bisons» Loimaa, Finland

Kalev defeated Bisons at home, 83-78. The visitors nearly pulled off an incredible comeback in the final minutes, but Kalev survived to secure its first win of the season.

Intro
Kalev and Bisons entered the game 0-2, needing a win to get out of the league cellar.

Kalev started on a 20-8 run, led by Marco Killingsworth in the paint and Rolands Freimanis and Gregor Arbet on the perimeter.

But once Killingsworth took a seat on the bench, Bisons immediately took control. Kalev's offense crumbled and Ronald Clark helped the visitors cut the deficit to four points at halftime, 42-38.

After a close 3rd quarter, Kalev's lead had shrunk to two, 60-58, entering the final period.

Turning Point
Rain Veideman, Gregor Arbet and Sten Sokk helped Kalev blow the game open late in the final period: 77-69 with 43 seconds left.

Everyone seemed to think the game was over, except for the Bisons. With Kalev struggling at the free throw line (2-6), the visitors knocked down three 3's and cut the deficit to one point with possession of the ball!

But Martin Zeno's potential game-winner was off the mark, Kalev snagged the rebound and finally closed out the win at the charity stripe.

Star of the Game
Marco Killingsworth. The veteran big man got Kalev off to a good start and did an excellent job of drawing extra defenders in the paint, freeing up teammates to score.

Stat of the Game
0-3. Martin Zeno was 0-3 from the perimeter before his late attempt rimmed out and ended Bisons' comeback hopes.

Stats