«Bisons» Loimaa, Finland vs. «Tsmoki-Minsk» Minsk, Belarus

Bisons defeated Tsmoki-Minsk at home, 76-73. The game was decided in the final minute with Bisons making a clutch stop on defense to win its second straight at home.

Intro
Entering today's game, Tsmoki was the only team in the league with a perfect record on the road. Igor Grishchuk and Co. were eager to record a 5th straight victory away from home in Finland.

The slow tempo to start played into Tsmoki's hands. The Belarusians were polished in the halfcourt, feeding Ivan Maras down low, while Bisons struggled to shoot from outside. At halftime, Tsmoki enjoyed a 38-33 advantage.

The final 20 minutes were extremely close. Neither team led by more than six points in the half, trading basket for basket down the stretch.

Turning Point
Bisons enjoyed a 74-71 advantage with 24 seconds left on the clock, but Tsmoki had possession. The visitors went for a quick score, getting two points from Aliaksei Lashkevich. Moments later, Tsmoki fouled Martin Zeno, who hit both free throws to restore Bisons' three-point lead.

On the final possession, the Belarusians had two chances to force overtime, but came up short. First, Justin Gray missed from downtown. Ivan Maras snagged the rebound, but his shot was also off the mark, allowing Bisons to escape with a win.

Star Player
Martin Zeno. Bisons' American forward was extremely effective from start to finish, ending the game with 13 points, six rebounds and six assists. He also hit two huge free throws in the final seconds.

Stat of the Game
20-4 - Tsmoki dominated Bisons in paint scoring, but it wasn't enough to get a win.

Stats

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