World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers: Estonia nip Slovenia in overtime thriller

Slovenia - Estonia 93-94 (OT)

Kristian Kullamaee (193-PG-1999) and Henri Drell (205-F-2000) scored 5 points in the final 12 seconds of the overtime to propel Estonia to a road win over Slovenia in Group H opener. Henri Drell came up with 29 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the Baltic side. Kristian Kullamaee notched 24 points for the visitors.
The teams went neck and neck throughout the entire game. Slovenia led by a single point at the first break. Estonia snatched a 39-38 halftime advantage. The Baltic side sank 26 points in the third term to open a 7-point lead. Slovenia though erased the deficit as Stefan Joksimovic gave the hosts a 79-77 lead with 6 seconds left in regulation. Henri Drell though responded with a layup to force overtime. Gregor Hrovat (196-SF-1994) scored 11 points in the extra period to give the home side what seemed to be a decisive 93-89 lead with 18 seconds remaining. But Henri Drell and Kristian Kullamaee drained five points in a row to carry the visitors to the win.
Gregor Hrovat delivered 23 points, while Ziga Samar and Miha Cerkvenik (201-G/F-2001) netted 15 points each for Slovenia.