The final away game in the qualification series for the Estonians, played in front of a 4,100-strong crowd at the Moraca Sports Center in Podgorica, started out with the home side spurting ahead by 10 points before the visitors were able to make their first basket.

Though the Estonians managed to narrow the gap to six points once in each of the four quarters, their opponents pulled ahead each time, generally maintaining their 8 to 10-point lead throughout the match.

With four wins and four losses, Estonia's position in fourth place now appears cemented in, while Israel is gaining on Serbia with an eye on stealing away the number two spot.

To finish out the series, Estonia is set to face Serbia on Saturday and Iceland on Tuesday, with both games to be played in the Saku Suurhall in Tallinn.

Steve Roman