20.01.2004

Kalev Tallinn 81 Strauss Iscar Nahariya 93

Nahariya keeps on winning and winning. Even a strong performance by Kalev Tallinn couldn’t stop the Israelis from gaining another 2 points with a 81-93 victory and climbing to the top spot in Group D of the FIBA EuropeLeague.

		Sharon Shason delivered 27 points and was elected MVP

For a long time Kalev was an equal opponent to Israel’s top team. But in the last 5 minutes Strauss finally moved away from their hosts.

The game was very close in the first half, with a small advantage for the guests who led with two points after 20 minutes (47-49).

In the third quarter Kalev even had a 9-point lead but wasn’t able to keep it. Eric Cambell had two big three-pointers to bring his team within reach at the end of the third quarter.

Kalev kept its lead until five minutes before the end. But Sharon Shason led Strauss to an 14-0 run which destroyed all the hopes of 600 supporters who waited desperately for Kalev’s second win.

With this win Strauss claimed the first place in Group D but can be replaced by Dynamo Moscow or Vojvodina later on tonight. Nevertheless they are already qualified for the quarterfinals while Kalev maintained in last position with only one win out of 12 games.

Game-MVP: Sharon Shason

20.01.2004

Quotes Kalev Tallin - Strauss Iscar

Andres Sober, Head Coach, Kalev Tallinn:

"We made simple mistakes against Nahariya´s zone defense in the end. After each turnover they answered with the fast breaks. But still, there were many positive moments for us in a game against one of the top teams in the league. "

Janar Talts, Tallinn Kalev:

"We didn´t give it away easily, but a few turnovers against zone defense decided the game."

Avi Ashskenzi, Head Coach, Strauss Iscar:

"Although Kalev has only one win in the competition, they played very good basketball. Two more baskets and they would have won it."

Ben David, Strauss Iscar:

"Kalev played well for three quarters, but we won in the end thanks to experience."