Tsmoki-Minsk Belarus defeated Kalev Estonia at home, 87-84 (19-18, 25-19, 20-22, 23-25).
Top Scorers
Tsmoki-Minsk: Aliaksandr Kudrautsau (23), Chris Czerapowicz (20 + 6 reb), Devon Saddler (16 + 7 reb)
Kalev: Isaiah Briscoe (27 + 5 reb), Branko Mirkovic (15)
Story
Tsmoki-Minsk picked up its 4th win of the season with a nervy 87-84 win at home against Kalev. Isaiah Briscoe scored 27 points for the visitors, but a costly turnover in the final minute and Chris Czerapowicz triple swung the outcome in Minsk’s favor.
Both teams have played well in recent weeks, with Kalev testing CSKA on the road and Minsk securing a spot in the next round of the FIBA Europe Cup.
Tsmoki dominated in the first half, leading by as much as 16, courtesy of a 14-2 run midway through the 2nd quarter. Kalev was able to cut the deficit to seven entering the break–Briscoe scored the final five points of the half, including a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
The visitors kept rolling in the 3rd quarter, pulling within two on Bojan Subotic’s dunk at the 6:44 mark. Tsmoki responded with a 15-3 run, but once again Kalev ended the period with momentum, scoring nine unanswered to make it a five-point game, 64-59.
The 4th quarter featured five ties and four lead changes. Gregor Arbet gave the visitors their first lead since the 1st quarter with a layup at the 6:15 mark, 70-69.
The decisive blow came with under a minute to go. Briscoe cut the deficit to one, 80-79, on a layup. After Aliaksandr Kudrautsau missed a triple at the other end, Kalev had a chance to take the lead, but Briscoe lost the ball and Czerapowicz responded with a 3-pointer to make it a four-point game.
Tsmoki would ice the game at the free-throw line, knocking down its final four attempts and surviving a desperation three from Gregor Arbet.
With the win, Minsk improves to 4-5. Kalev drops to 1-8.
Photos
Up Next
Tsmoki-Minsk: January 7 home vs. Zenit
Kalev: December 17 home vs. VEF
