14.10.2003

Kalev Tallin 61 Telestet Maroussi 87

Kalev Tallinn started the FIBA Euroleague season with a sour 61-87 loss to Greek club Maroussi.

Kalev managed to keep the score even for exactly eight minutes. Quick points from American guard Troy Coleman gave Kalev a 7-2 lead. Mark Shein added a three-pointer to make it 16-13 after eight minutes.

Straight three-pointers from Aleksandar Smiljanic and Prodromos Nikolaidis then gave Maroussi a lead for good. Two baskets from Georgios Karagoutis put the Greek team ahead 25-18 after the first quarter.

		Game MVP Andre Hutson of Maroussi

Maroussi continued its domination on the second quarter thanks to a height advantage. 210 cm Ivan Grgat and 208 cm Karagoutis made Kalev pay for numerous turnovers making it 37-20 after five minutes. Maroussi led 47-30 at halftime and Kalev never made it closer than 16 points after that.

Grgat was the main hero in the second half. He scored 17 of his 25 points after the halftime.

Grgat was also the leading scorer of the game. Andre Hutson added 12 points, Roderick Blakney and Karagoutis both 10 points for the winners.

Coleman scored 15, 20-year-old high-flying Kristjan Kangur 14 and another youngster Gregor Arbet 10 points for Kalev.

Game MVP: Andre Hutson.

14.10.2003

Quotes Telestet Maroussi - Tallinn Kalev

Panagiotis Yannakis, Head Coach, Maroussi:

"We were a little bit the better team today. When we stopped the enthusiasm of the young Estonian players and controlled the boards, our confidence decided the game."

Andre Hutson, Maroussi:

"I think we did a good job at the defensive end. But we still have a lot to improve."

Andres Sõber, Head Coach, Kalev:

"I'm a bit disappointed. I was hoping we'd play a bit better defense and stay in the game longer."

Priit Ilver, Kalev:

"We had a tough time to fight against taller oponents under the basket. At least we didn't give up."