«Tsmoki-Minsk» Minsk, Belarus vs. «Kalev» Tallinn, Estonia

Tsmoki-Minsk defeated Kalev at home on Saturday, 100-77. Leading 53-52 early in the 3rd quarter, Minsk seized control with back-to-back three-point plays and went on to outscore Kalev 26-7 over the next eight minutes.

Recap
Both teams are chasing Nizhny Novgorod for the 8th and final playoff spot and needed a win this weekend to remain within striking distance.

Early on, neither team could gain control. Kalev relied on 3-point shooting, attempting 15 in the first half. Tsmoki tried to get the ball in the paint, led by Aliaksandr Kudrautsau, who scored several times on drives to the basket.

The Dragons were also effective from outside, going 6-11 in the first half, including a '3' from Anthony Hilliard late in the 2nd quarter that gave the home team a 10-point lead, 49-39.

The visitors battled back, cutting the deficit to one early in the 3rd quarter, 53-52. Needing a spark, Minsk got one from Kudrautsau and Branko Mirkovic, who scored on back-to-back three-point plays to make it a nine-point game.

Tsmoki didn't look back, erupting for 30 points in the 3rd quarter to pick up a 20-point lead entering the final period. Balanced scoring won the game for the home team with five different players posting double figures, including Justin Gray, whose '3' in the final seconds helped Minsk score 100 points for the first time this season.

Star Player
Garrett Stutz. The American center was outstanding off the bench, shooting 73% from the field to go with three offensive rebounds in less than 20 minutes on the court. He finished with 18 points and four total rebounds, helping his team pick up its 6th win.

Stat of the Game
100 points - that's a new season-high for Tsmoki-Minsk.