«Kalev» Tallinn, Estonia vs. «Vita» Tbilisi, Georgia

Kalev defeated Vita at home on Sunday, 85-75. Tbilisi played Kalev tight until midway through the 4th quarter, when the home team got hot, scoring 18 points in the final 6:21 to win by 10.

Intro
Kalev secured its first win of the season on Monday, knocking off Bisons at home. Despite improved offense, Vita entered 0-4 with losses to four Russian clubs: CSKA, Khimki, Nizhny Novgorod and Krasny Oktyabr.

Led by Oleksandr Lypovyy, the Georgian club controlled the tempo much of the 1st quarter, despite trailing 20-15 at the end of the period. Marco Killingsworth and Josh Boone made life difficult for the Vita big men, combining for 13 of Kalev's 20 1st-quarter points.

The 2nd quarter belonged entirely to the visitors. Vita moved the ball--Pierria Henry had four assists in the period--and the Georgians finished the half with a 40-37 lead.

Kalev started the second half on fire: two Sten Sokk 3-pointers and dunks from Killingsworth and Rain Veideman put home team ahead by seven, 47-40.

Vita fired back with a 10-point run of its own. A Ralston Turner '3' at the 3:49 mark in the 3rd quarter put the visitors on top by four, 53-49.

Rolands Freimanis restored Kalev's lead entering the 4th quarter, connecting twice from the perimeter, 58-55.

After another Turner '3', Vita enjoyed a 67-65 advantage with 6:31 to play. Needing a boost, Kalev coach Alar Varrak got six straight points from Killingsworth off the bench, giving Kalev a 73-67 lead midway through the period.

Turning Point
Vita got as close as three points late in the quarter, but Kalev's defense held strong down the stretch, limiting the visitors to 0-4 shooting over the final 2:16 to secure an 85-75 win.

Star of the Game
Rolands Freimanis. The Latvian forward scored seven huge points late in the 4th quarter to keep Vita at bay. He also pulled down six rebounds and handed out five assists.

Stats

Snapshot