Kalev Estonia defeated VEF Latvia at home, 98-94 (28-26, 24-28, 21-11, 25-29).
Top Scorers
Kalev: Branko Mirkovic (27 + 6 reb + 9 ast), Isaiah Briscoe (17), Thomas van der Mars (12 + 10 reb)
VEF: Alex Perez (21 + 5 ast), Corey Hawkins (16), Kristaps Janicenoks (14), Mareks Mejeris (14 + 7 reb)
Story
Kalev ended the game on a 6-0 run to pull out a much-needed win at home, led by 27 points from Branko Mirkovic and rock-solid defense down the stretch.
Trailing much of the second half, Alex Perez nearly gave VEF its second win of the season, knocking down a pair of clutch 3-pointers to put the visitors on top with 3:22 remaining.
But Mirkovic and co. would not be denied down the stretch. The home team did just enough at the free-throw line, going 4-6 in the final minute, before Isaiah Briscoe sealed the victory with a layup.
The win helps Kalev improve to 2-8, while VEF drops to 1-7.
Highlights
. @BC_Kalev vs. @vefriga one minute highlights 📹 pic.twitter.com/qXTZbVfZe0
— VTB United League (@VTBUL) December 17, 2017
Star
Branko Mirkovic. In 28 minutes, the Serbian guard put up 27 points, six rebounds and nine assists. He also the assist on Briscoe’s layup in the final seconds.
Stat
31 – Kalev and VEF combined for 31 3-pointers, one shy of the League record set by Lokomotiv-Kuban and Vita in the 2015-16 season. VEF finished with 19, a new season-high in the League.
3-Point Avalanche
Kalev, VEF, and their 3-point shots record in the Q1. 13 from beyond the arch! 💪 pic.twitter.com/ZoYt8guBFp
— VTB United League (@VTBUL) December 17, 2017
Up Next
Kalev: January 7 home vs. Khimki
VEF: January 6 home vs. Avtodor
Photos
