Kalev defeated Vita on Sunday evening in Tbilisi, 78-77. The home team jumped out to a big lead in the first half and held off a determined Vita comeback in the final minutes. Despite the defeat, the Georgian club looks close to notching its first VTB United League win.
Recap
Kalev took control in the 1st quarter, boosted by point guard Morris Curry's 13 points. Leading 19-15 through 10 minutes, the visitors kept adding to the advantage in the 2nd, even with Curry on the bench. At halftime, the score favored Kalev, 41-30.
Vita responded in the second half, quickly cutting the deficit to three. Kalev immediately answered, getting excellent production from Rolands Freimanis and Gregor Arbet.
Midway through the 4th quarter, the visitors appeared to be in control. But Omar Thomas managed to cut the deficit to three with a minute and a half play, injecting a measure of suspense into the contest.
Despite several opportunities down the stretch, Vita couldn't hit a big basket or get a key stop, allowing Kalev to escape with the win. The visitors pick up an important victory, while Vita continues searching for the breakthrough win.
Star Player
Rolands Freimanis. The Latvian forward had a big impact off the bench and finished with his first double-double of the season: 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Stat of the Game
1 - Kalev's margin of victory. Vita has never been closer to stealing a win.