Tartu wins Estonian KML over Kalev/Cramo

Tartu Ulikool/Rock celebrated victory in the Estonian KML by defeating rival Kalev/Cramo Tallinn in Game 5 of the finals series to win the title. After losing Game 1, Tartu Rock has gone on a four game run and used home court advantage in the fifth game to win 86-67 to win the final 4-1. It was a repeat of last year’s final and indeed was repeat of the final series from the last six seasons.

Kalev/Cramo has won the four Estonian KML crowns at the expense of Tartu, but this year the university team hit back to lift its 23rd title, a record in the country.

Mucho of the action came under the basket, with Tartu Rock grabbing 50 of its point in the paint and at the post, while Kalev/Cramo managed just 30. The home club also managed 34 offensive boards compared to just 18 from the defending champs. However, it was Kalev/Cramo with the better start as the team claimed the first quarter 21-22.

In the second frame Tartu opened up offensively and plundered bucket after bucket in a 29-12 in a run that made it 50-34 through halftime. With a sixteen point lead to protect the hosts tightened the scoring in the third act and allowed the visitors to creep back into the contest by winning the quarter 15-21. The scoreboard read 65-55 through thirty minutes and Kalev/Cramo had half a chance in the fourth. However, Tartu killed the contest with a 21-12 winning final stanza that let the home team stroll to the title.

Tanel Sokk led the winners with 21 points and added to his offensive game with 8 assists. Timo Eichfuss scored 16 points and also 7 rebounds, while Gert Dorbek claimed 13 points in the win.

Keith Benson shone for the losing effort with a game high 22 points, followed by Armands Skele with 15 points, Gregor Arbet with 12 points, and Scott Machado with 10 points.