«Kalev» triumphs over «Astana»

Estonian «Kalev» beat Kazakhstan «Astana» for the second time in the season — 78:72 (26:13, 20:18, 12:18, 20:23).
 
The collective efforts of the starting five players, led by Ryan and Eric Weidemann Keedusom allowed Kalev to score twice more than their rivals in the first quarter (26:13). Later this gap was bridged by «Astana», and good defence in the third quarter (Estonians scored only 12 points in 10 minutes) gave «Astana» a chance for salvation (49:58).
 
In the final quarter Kazakhs put all their stakes at the three-pointers, but failed to carry out them effectively (2 of 9 in the last 10 minutes, 6 out of 29 for the entire game). «Kalev» kept the opponent at a distance of 5-8 points throughout the quarter, and, finally, gained its well-deserved victory on the road, for the first time this season. Estonian team possesses three wins, two of which are against «Astana».
 
The most productive:
 
«Astana»: Robert Lowry (21 + 6 rebounds), Ian Miller (21), Roderick Odom (8 + 5 rebounds).
 
«Kalev»: Ryan Veydeman (24), Mark Tollefsen (12 + 5 rebounds), Stan Sokk (10 + 6 rebounds 6 assists), Eric Keedus (7 + 7 rebounds 6 assists).
 
Head coach of «Astana», Ilias Papatheodorou:
 We had a really bad start, especially having problems with our offense. We got a chance to lead in the second half, what we really needed to finish the game as a winners, is to be aggressive and energized, but our shooting let us down in key moments. That’s why we lost.
 
«Kalev» head coach, Alar Varrak:
– It was an even game. We managed to win the first half by a big margin. That was the key to the win. We lost the second half. Astana played better, but we had a lead of 8-10 points and we were able to keep that score margin.
 
The following games Astana will hold on the road, the capital team will travel to Atyrau, where on February, 10 and 11, it will to meet with the team of Barcy Atyrau basketball club in the regular season of the National League of Kazakhstan.