Estonian basketball national team loses to Finland
The Estonian men's national basketball team lost 76:97 to Finland in an exhibition game Wednesday. The defeat knocks some of the gloss off last weekend's victory over Latvia and Lithuania in a friendly competition marking the 100th anniversary of Estonian basketball.
After losing a 3:0 lead, Estonia was unable to take the lead in the match again. The Finns were able to control things going forward, winning the first quarter 33:16 and took a 48:29 lead into halftime.
The second half continued with the home team extending their lead to 26, with three minutes left in the third quarter. Estonia was able to close the gap but headed into the final period down 50:70. Finland held their pace and finished the game, winning 97:76.
19-year old national team debutant Mikk Jurkatamm scored 14 points for Estonia with Mihkel Kirves adding 12. Remu Raitanen scored 15 for the home team with four other Finns scoring 10 or more.
Estonia was represented by hero of last weekend's 92:85 victory over basketball powerhouse Lithuania Kerr Kriisa, along with Jurkatamm and Siim-Markus Post, Rait-Riivo Laane, Martin Dorbek, Robert Valge, Sander Raieste, Henri Drell, Mihkel Kirves, Siim-Sander Vene, Kregor Hermet and Rauno Nurger. Notably, team captain Siim-Sander Vene did not finish the game, having sprained his ankle.
Estonia has a second chance on Thursday night as the team is playing Finland in another exhibition game.
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Editor: Kristjan Kallaste
