Nizhny Novgorod defeated Kalev on the road, 91-87 (30-24, 19-20, 20-18, 22-25).
Top Scorers
Kalev: Demonte Harper (22+6 reb+7 ast), Rain Veideman (22+6 ast), Cedric Simmons (14+11 reb), Erik Keedus (13+5 reb)
Nizhny Novgorod: Dijon Thompson (20+8 reb), Ivan Strebkov (19+5 reb+5 ast), Siim-Sander Vene (13), Petr Gubanov (12), DeAndre Kane (11+6 reb)
Turning Point
Nizhny Novgorod jumped out to an early lead in the 1st quarter, led by Ivan Strebkov and Petr Gubanov, who both returned from injuries. The visitors stayed in control until the final horn, leading by as much as 13 with five minutes to go.
Kalev closed within three points in the final seconds, but Dijon Thompson knocked down a big free throw and Nizhny held on for its first road win of the season.
Impact
This game had big playoff implications. Kalev could have jumped Nizhny in the standings with a win. Instead, the Estonians fall to 4-12, 12th in the standings. Nizhny improves to 5-10, one game back of Astana for the final playoff spot.
Shot
Stat
351 – number of days since Nizhny Novgorod won on the road in the VTB United League, also a road win in Tallinn.
Up Next
Kalev: February 19 vs. Enisey
Nizhny Novgorod: February 16 vs. UNICS
