18.11.2003

Tallinn Kalev 69 - MBC Odessa 83

Tallin Kalev's hopes of winning their first FIBA Europe League game were dealt a cruel blow before tip-off tonight as they were forced to take the floor without 5 players.

Kalev had to replace Gregor Arbet and Reinar Hallik because of illness, while Kristjan Kangur, Mark Sein and Priit Pihela were injured.

Although Odessa jumped out to a 20:8 lead in the first quarter, the home team never gave up hope.

		Priit Ilver takes the ball over the Odessa defense

Kalev were constantly playing catch-up and by halftime had narrowed the lead to 10 points, 30:40. In the 3rd quarter they got to within 2 points, thanks to a 7:0 run.

Odessa did not panic though and a 10:0 burst of their own put the game beyond Tallinn, who fall to 0-6 in the competition.

Yaroslav Zubrytskyy led Odessa with 16 points, Antsiferov had 15, Valeiko 12 points.

For Kalev, Troy Coleman scored 18, Jaanus Liivak 16 and Janar Talts 13 points.

Game MVP: Edmunds Valeiko

 

18.11.2003

Quotes Tallinn Kalev - MBC Odessa

Varonin Valyantsin, Head Coach, MBC Odessa:

"I did not expect an easy game. Kalev is a young team, but they fought well. I think our experienced players decided the game."

Edmunds Valeiko, MBC Odessa:

"It was not a pretty game from us, but we got the main thing - a win."

Andres Sõber, Head Coach, Tallinn Kalev:

"The most important thing was that my players fought and did not give up despite missing teammates."

Jaanus Liivak, Tallinn Kalev:

"I think we are moving in the right direction. Anything is possible in the second round games."