Zenit Russia defeated Kalev Estonia at home, 85-80 (21-19, 26-21, 18-18, 15-27).
Top Scorers
Zenit: Sergey Karasev (22 + 11 reb + 6 ast), Demonte Harper (17 + 6 reb), Drew Gordon (15 + 17 reb)
Kalev: Isaiah Briscoe (24 + 7 ast), Bojan Subotic (24), Thomas van der Mars (12 + 6 reb)
Story
Kalev desperately needed a win in the northern capital to keep its slim postseason hopes alive, but a 4th-quarter collapse allowed Zenit to storm back for victory and drop the Estonian club to a League-worst 6-17.
Isaiah Briscoe and Bojan Subotic were masterful on the road, combining for 48 points and helping the visitors take a seven-point lead entering the final frame.
But Zenit and Sergey Karasev, who finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, never folded. Vasiley Karasev’s men are battling for the #3 seed in the playoffs and needed a win to keep Lokomotiv-Kuban at arm’s length.
Defense proved the key down the stretch for Zenit. The home team limited Kalev to only three field goals in the final quarter, including two huge stops when the visitors had a chance to tie or regain the lead.
Leading 82-80, Evgeny Valiev drew an offensive foul on Briscoe. With Kalev forced to foul, Karasev made only one of two free throws, but Janari Joesaar was unable to drain his three-point attempt in the final seconds and Karasev sealed the win with two more free throws.
Zenit improves to 14-5, one game up on Lokomotiv-Kuban. Kalev has one game remaining, April 22 vs. Astana.
Quotes
Zenit head coach Vasily Karasev:
– It’s good that we won, but there are a lot of questions. There weren’t many issues on defense, except for Kalev’s fast breaks, in the first half. But we had issues on offense. Kalev played zone defense the entire game, which really increases the importance of good perimeter shooting and individual skill. Give Kalev credit. CSKA trailed them by 10 points for half an hour. They know how to play zone.
Kalev head coach Donaldas Kairys:
– Our rotation was bigger than the previous game and our guys have played well in recent weeks. But we weren’t quite accurate enough vs. Zenit, especially Mirkovic’s shots. Plus, we lost the rebounding battle. We lost to a strong team in Zenit and I’m proud of my players. Our young Estonian players get better and earn experience in games like these.
Up Next
Zenit: April 22 away vs. Nizhny Novgorod
Kalev: April 22 away vs. Astana
Images of the Game
