Oliver Metsalu, Siim Post and TalTech/ALEXELA enter playoff conversation

4 hours ago

2 min read

TalTech/ALEXELA controlled the second half to sail past the 2026 Dutch Cup winners Donar Groningen, 83-70, on Wednesday, September 30, at the joyful TalTech spordihoone in northern Estonia.

Players of the game

Usual suspects stepped up when it mattered the most for Alar Varrak and TalTech/ALEXELA.

Siim Markus Post scored seven of his 15 points in the fourth quarter.

Point guard contributed with seven rebounds and seven assists.

Oliver Metsalu was dangerous from the deep but late in the game attacked closer to the basket.

TalTech captain finished with a team high 18 points.

Seven local players scored eight or more points.

Aleksandre Merkviladze led Donar Groningen with 18 points.

Forward shot 6/12 from the field and grabbed a game high nine rebounds.

Key stats

First half ended in a tie, 40-40.

TalTech/ALEXELA found more gas in the tank and excelled in transition game.

The hosts scored 19 points in fast breaks, compared to two points for Donar Groningen.

TalTech shot 39 percent from the three point line, 11/28.

Donar struggled from the deep and shot 26 percent, 5/19.

TalTech registered 24 assists on 32 field goals.

Four starters – Metsalu, Post, Taavi Jurkatamm and Oliver Suurorg – finished in double figures.

Game notes

TalTech/ALEXELA improved to 2-0, while Donar Groningen dropped to 0-2.

TalTech goal is to reach the playoffs in the ENBL and the Estonia-Latvia league, head coach Alar Varrak said after a dramatic comeback against Fyllingen Lions.

One week later TalTech/ALEXELA have a perfect home record.

Three wins in the next six games may almost certainly secure a Top 8 spot.

ENBL access: follow the game on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yE1txPfhIw

Live stats: https://fibalivestats.dcd.shared.geniussports.com/u/ENBL/2910552/

ENBL standings as of September 30, 2026, CET 20.00 | without tie-breakers

GROUP A

Tindastoll 2-0, +29

Hefte Helfen Bulls 1-0, +23

Dubrava Zagreb 1-0, +5

BC CIU 0-1, -5

BC Hipocredit 0-1, -6