EUROBASKET 2011

Belarus were crowned champions of the AeroSvit Cup in Kiev on an encouraging weekend for the three European teams involved.

Belarus finished with a 2-1 record, identical to that of hosts Ukraine and Estonia, while Jordan were sent home winless.

Victories over EuroBasket-bound Ukraine and Jordan, who played at the FIBA World Championship last year, will give Belarus a huge lift as they prepare for their EuroBasket Division B games this summer.

Belarus began with a 106-70 win over Jordan and then came back impressively to edge out Ukraine 82-78.

Ukraine had used an early 11-2 run to charge ahead and held Belarus at arm's length for most of the game.

They led by as many as 15 in the third quarter, but then allowed Belarus to rally as they closed the gap to seven, 60-53, before the fourth quarter and then edged in front, 66-65, with four and a half minutes to go.

Alexander Kudrautsau led Belarus with 20 points, six assists and four steals.

Ukraine coach Mike Fratelli paid tribute to Belarus after the game, saying: "We played against a strong opponent, who were able to execute their plays on offense.

"In the final quarter, we were not able to play as well as we had done in the previous three and allowed them to score 29 points."

Belarus were edged out 72-70 by Estonia in their final game, but had still done enough to win the tournament.

Ukraine opened with a 93-89 victory over Estonia as Dmitry Zabirchenko scored 14 points, and then bounced back from the Belarus defeat by defeating Jordan 104-75 as Serhiy Hladyr collected 15 points.

"We were able to play with intensity despite the two previously games," said Fratelli. "We should have won all three games here, but hopefully the second half of the game against Belarus will be a lesson for us.

"I have not decided on the final squad for the EuroBasket. First we will go to Turkey and play there and see what works well."

Estonia had beaten Jordan 99-59 in their second game.