Kalev Estonia defeated Lokomotiv-Kuban Russia at home, 81-76 (26-15, 25-19, 13-27, 17-15).
Top scorers
Kalev: Tony Wroten (24 + 5 ast), Arnett Moultrie (16 + 7 reb), Chavaughn Lewis (16 + 5 reb + 3 stl)
Lokomotiv-Kuban: Jerome Randle (17 + 5 ast), Jamel McLean (16 + 5 reb), Vladimir Ivlev (10 + 7 reb)
Story
Lokomotiv guaranteed 4th place with a win over Zenit (94-78) in its previous outing. Kalev, however, was still competing for a potential 6th-place finish. The Estonian club’s extra motivation would prove the difference in this one.
The home team stormed to an early lead, led by American guards Chavaughn Lewis and Tony Wroten, who combined for 22 points (9-11 shooting) in the 1st quarter as Kalev picked up a 26-15 advantage.
Тони Ротен и Чавон Льюис набирают 32 очка за половину против @lokobasket (51:34) 🔥@TWroten_LOE & Chavaughn Lewis combine for 32 PTS in 1st Half vs Loko (51-34) 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bc9MRU1BJx
— VTB United League (@VTBUL) April 24, 2019
Kuban coach Bob Donewald was not afraid to experiment with his roster, keeping stars like Ponitka, Kulagin and Fall on the bench the entire game. Little-used reserves Shcherbenev, Platonov and Vedishchev were the recipients of the extra minutes, though Kalev proved the biggest beneficiary. Lewis and Wroten went on to score 32 in the first half and Kalev took a commanding 51-34 advantage into the locker room.
Tallinn’s massive lead quickly eroded in the 3rd quarter as Randle and McLean led Kuban to a stirring comeback. The duo scored 14 in the period and Loko cut its deficit to a measly three points, 64-61, entering the final quarter.
Turning point
But Kalev was able to regain control. Moultrie was the key, knocking down several big shots to restore a 7-8-point advantage. During the final minute, Loko’s reserves were able to get within five points (81-76), but never got any closer.
The victory gives Kalev a legitimate chance of finishing 6th in the standings. Now everything depends on the match-up between Zenit and Astana in St. Petersburg. Kalev needs a St. Petersburg loss to move out of 7th place.
Star
Tony Wroten displayed his leadership qualities, shooting 9-15 from the field (60%), and recording game-highs in points (24), assists (5) and efficiency rating (26).
Stat
14 – Kalev set a new club record for wins in the VTB League. The previous best of 13 was set during the 2014-15 season, when the schedule featured 30 games. Kalev will also finish the regular season with a winning record for the first time in 10 tries.
Quotes
Kalev head coach Donaldas Kairys: “We played an awful 3rd quarter and Lokomotiv was very good and nearly seized control. But we were able to pick up a very important win nonetheless. Now we are at least in 7th place and won’t meet CSKA in the first round of the playoffs. I’m very happy we ended the season with four wins! Now it’s important to prepare for the decisive stage of the season.”
Lokomotiv-Kuban head coach Bob Donewald: “The game with Kalev was excellent experience for us. We let several of our leaders rest in order to give time to our younger players. I think they had two different halves. Some things weren’t working at first, but after halftime we were much more consistent on defense and shifted the momentum in the game. I’m proud of my young guys. They showed heart. And our leaders needed a break so they can enter the playoffs fresh.”
Photos
