EUROBASKET QUALIFIERS

Gert Dorbek (pictured) was one of four Estonia players in double digits, with Janar Talts registering a double-double of 15 points and 16 rebounds

A double-double by Janar Talts helped Estonia secure a vital 84-70 road success in the Slovak Republic to continue fuelling a thrilling EuroBasket Qualification Round Group A.

The forward racked up 15 points and 16 rebounds as Estonia moved to four wins and two losses to maintain the pressure on both Israel and Serbia who continue to fight it out behind runaway leaders Montenegro.

After five consecutive defeats, the last thing the Slovak Republic wanted was a lacklustre start, but they were always chasing the game once Estonia put daylight between them early in the second quarter.

When Slim-Sander Vene dropped a three-ball to make it 25-15, the visitors never looked back and held on to their advantage until the final buzzer.

They did however endure a slight wobble either side of the final quarter break as Dusan Pandula brought the Slovak Republic back into contention at 61-59, but Talts was just too hot to handle and he was instrumental in helping Estonia ease away again when it mattered most.

Both Vene and Gert Dorbek posted important cameos for the winning team while the loss was tough on home star Anton Gavel who poured in a wonderful 35 points - the highest of the competition so far.