Avtodor defeated Kalev at home, 82-77 (20-24, 27-15, 15-18, 20-20).
Top Scorers
Avtodor: Justin Robinson (21 + 6 ast + 4 stl), Coty Clarke (16 + 8 reb), Earvin Morris (10)
Kalev: Martin Dorbek (15), Cedric Simmons (12 + 9 reb), Bojan Subotic (11 + 7 reb), Sten Sokk (11), Janari Joesaar (10)
Story
Saratov rode a big 2nd quarter and Justin Robinson’s 21 points to a crucial home win. Kalev led early and had chances down the stretch to steal a road win, before a late collapse doomed the Estonians to defeat.
Despite an 0-3 record entering the game, Kalev started the game red-hot on the perimeter, draining four 3-pointers in the opening five minutes to stake a 16-7 lead.
The visitors ended the period with six 3-pointers, enjoying a 24-20 advantage through 10 minutes.
The lead did not last long. Saratov opened the 2nd quarter on a 10-0 run, capped by an Earvin Morris triple.
Avtodor led by as much as 10 points in the period, holding the visitors to 15 points to go into halftime with a 47-39 edge.
Kalev rallied midway through the 3rd, briefly taking the lead on a Martin Dorbek jump shot, 54-53. Avtodor, however, finished the quarter on a 9-3 run to go back in front.
Turning Point
Once again, the visitors mounted a comeback midway through the 4th. Cedric Simmons scored seven straight for Kalev as the Estonians pulled ahead 69-68 with under three minutes to go.
Saratov refused to let the game slip away. The home team went on a 10-0 run, sparked by Justin Robinson’s four points, two assists and a steal. Avtodor went on to win by five, improving to 2-1 on the season.
Highlights
. @AvtodorSaratov vs. @BC_Kalev one minute highlights 📹 pic.twitter.com/MFJQc8gMUf
— VTB United League (@VTBUL) October 28, 2017
Stat
10 – Avtodor combined for 10 steals, helping tilt the balance in a very evenly-matched contest.
Up Next
Avtodor: November 5 home vs. Lokomotiv-Kuban
Kalev: November 5 home vs. Zenit
Snapshot
