Basketball News, Scores, Stats, Analysis, Standings

Ivars Zemitis

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Top ranked Kandava (11-2) recorded its second loss on the court of fourth ranked Bauska on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by Bauska 113-105. Strangely Kandava outrebounded Bauska 59-42 including a 20-9 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. 29 personal fouls committed by Kandava helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Forward Ivars Zemitis (195-1990) fired a double-double by scoring 30 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Forward Janis Eiduks (200-1993) chipped in 28 points and 7 rebounds (made all of his nine free throws !!!). Guard Guntars Strakis (188-1990) produced 37 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds for lost side. Kandava’s coach Edgars Priede rotated ten players in this game, but that didn’t help. Bauska have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Kandava at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. Bauska are looking forward to face league’s second-placed Jelgava at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kandava will have a break next round.
Leader Kandava delivered the eleventh victory. This time they crushed 9th ranked Grobina (2-9) 106-61. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Arturs Grinbergs (190-1996) who helped to win the game recording 27 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists. Guntars Strakis contributed with 25 points and 4 steals for the winners. Estonian guard Kristaps Miglinieks (196-1990) replied with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for Grobina. Grobina’s coach Janis Sudmalis gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Kandava maintains first position with 11-2 record. Grobina lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the ninth place with nine games lost. Kandava will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Grobina will play at home against Saldus (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Saldus supposed to be also quite interesting. Second ranked Jelgava (10-2) played at the court of 5th ranked Saldus (6-6). Jelgava smashed Saldus 93-66 on Friday. Worth to mention a great performance of Edgars Krumins who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 6 rebounds. At the losing side Janis Dumburs responded with 12 points and 6 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Jelgava maintains second position with 10-2 record behind leader RSU/VEF. Loser Saldus dropped to the seventh place with six games lost. Jelgava will meet Bauska (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Saldus will play against Grobina (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Rest of the games of round 16 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
VeA defeated Tukums in Ventspils 96-83. Livani were beaten by Limbazi at home 95-102. Riga/DSN lost to BS Ogre on the opponent’s court 69-87. Tukums unfortunately lost to Bauska in a home game 69-85. Turiba rolled over Talsi on the road 100-64.

Tukums – VeA 83-96

There was no surprise when 11th ranked Tukums (2-11) were defeated at home by seventh ranked VeA (6-5) 96-83 on Friday. Worth to mention a great performance of Toms Salnajs (199-2005) who helped to win the game recording 25 points and 7 rebounds and guard Janis Zemels (175-1991) who added 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Five VeA players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard Eduards Horeliks (191-1991) responded with 31 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and forward Ingvars Lerhs (200-1992) scored 13 points and 5 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. VeA moved-up to sixth place. Tukums lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth position with 11 games lost. They share it with Talsi. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Tukums: H.Eduards 31+8reb+4ast, L.Ingvars 13+4reb+5ast, Z.Rihards 9+2reb+2ast, R.Kaulins 7+5reb+6ast, L.Nauris 6+1reb, Z.Edgars 4+2reb+3ast
VeA: S.Toms 25+7reb+1ast, R.Prusis 20+5reb+1ast, J.Zemels 20+7reb+4ast, R.Lacis 11+8reb, R.Ricards 11, C.Janis 5+2reb+1ast

gschID: 1048578

Bauska – Kandava 113-105

gschID: 1048580

Livani – Limbazi 95-102

There was a small surprise when sixth ranked Limbazi (4-4) defeated on the road one of their biggest challengers Livani (4-5) 102-95 on Wednesday. Limbazi looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Vents Veinbergs (187-1993) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 31 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists and forward Oto Grinbergs (196-1990) who added 22 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Four Limbazi players scored in double figures. Limbazi’s coach Andis Cirulis used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side guard Rihards Strauts (199-1991) responded with a double-double by scoring 38 points (!!!) and 11 rebounds and guard Daumants Pabrieza (184-1987) produced a triple-double by scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. Limbazi moved-up to fifth place. Livani lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. Limbazi will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Livani will play again against Limbazi (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Livani: R.Strauts 38+11reb+1ast, D.Pabrieza 22+10reb+12ast, R.Pabrieza 15+2reb+4ast, D.Ozolins 9+16reb, A.Vitins 8+8reb+1ast, E.Leja 3+4reb+3ast
Limbazi: V.Veinbergs 31+13reb+4ast, O.Grinbergs 22+10reb+3ast, T.Upe 18+4reb+1ast, J.Katlaps 10+2reb+3ast, I.Immers 7+5reb+3ast, P.Penka 7+4reb+1ast

gschID: 1048586

BS Ogre – Riga/DSN 87-69

Rather expected game when 8th ranked Riga/DSN (3-7) was defeated on the road by fifth ranked BS Ogre (5-5) 87-69 on Wednesday. BS Ogre dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to Riga/DSN’s 24 and made 16-of-19 free shots (84.2 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Riga/DSN 42-21 including a 33-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of Markuss Lastins (194-2004) who helped to win the game recording 28 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and forward Mikus Brencans (203-2001) who added 18 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Four BS Ogre players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard Kristofers Karlsons (185-2004) responded with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and forward Kristers Skrinda (200-2006) scored 19 points and 6 rebounds. Riga/DSN’s coach tested ten players seeing no chance for a win. BS Ogre moved-up to fourth place. Loser Riga/DSN keeps the eighth position with seven games lost. BS Ogre will again meet Riga/DSN (#8) on the road in the next round. Riga/DSN will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Riga/DSN: K.Kristofers 25+6reb+5ast, S.Kristers 19+6reb+1ast, K.Pauls 8+3reb+5ast, R.Ralfs 7+3reb, G.Dans 6+1ast, F.Martins 3+1reb
BS Ogre: L.Markuss 28+5reb+4ast, M.Brencans 18+13reb+4ast, M.Sivins 18+6reb+3ast, M.Kokins 11+7reb+4ast, K.Harijs 8+7reb+2ast, A.Ricards 2+2reb

gschID: 1055102

Saldus – Jelgava 66-93

The game in Saldus supposed to be also quite interesting. Second ranked Jelgava (10-2) played at the court of 5th ranked Saldus (6-6). Jelgava smashed Saldus 93-66 on Friday. Jelgava had a 36-22 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of swingman Edgars Krumins (196-1986) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 6 rebounds and guard Uldis Feldmanis (198-1996) who added 13 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Four Jelgava players scored in double figures. At the losing side forward Janis Dumburs (202-1996) responded with 12 points and 6 rebounds and Reinis Krumins (198-2000) scored 8 points and 8 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Jelgava maintains second position with 10-2 record behind leader RSU/VEF. Loser Saldus dropped to the seventh place with six games lost. Jelgava will meet Bauska (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Saldus will play against Grobina (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Saldus: J.Dumburs 12+6reb+3ast, K.Baumanis 11+2reb+2ast, S.Roberts 9+1ast, R.Smidrins 9+2reb, R.Pinne 8+4reb+1ast, R.Krumins 8+8reb
Jelgava: E.Krumins 17+6reb+1ast, U.Feldmanis 13+7reb+3ast, A.Justovics 13+2reb+1ast, M.Steinbergs 12+3reb+5ast, A.Ginters 10+5reb+4ast, T.Markuss 9+1ast

gschID: 1055209

Tukums – Bauska 69-85

Very predictable result when fourth ranked Bauska (8-5) beat on the road 11th ranked Tukums (2-11) 85-69 on Wednesday. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Toms Vilks (180-1992) who helped to win the game recording 20 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists and forward Gundars Bricka (195-1989) who added 18 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side guard Eduards Horeliks (191-1991) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 24 rebounds and 8 assists and forward Ritvars Kaulins (196-1991) scored 28 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Bauska have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Tukums lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth position with 11 games lost. They share it with Talsi. Bauska will meet at home league’s second-placed Jelgava in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Tukums will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Tukums: R.Kaulins 28+4reb+1ast, H.Eduards 19+24reb+8ast, L.Nauris 6+1ast, U.Kinkeris 4+6reb+1ast, Z.Rihards 4+3reb+1ast, M.Tiss 3+1ast
Bauska: T.Vilks 20+7reb+6ast, G.Bricka 18+6reb+3ast, J.Eiduks 11+3reb, A.Edijs 10, M.Berzins 8+5reb+2ast, I.Zemitis 7+7reb+1ast

gschID: 1055375

Talsi – Turiba 64-100

Not a big story in a game when 10th ranked Talsi (2-11) was outplayed at home by sixth ranked Turiba (7-5) 100-64 on Wednesday. Turiba forced 22 Talsi turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Nikolajs Zotovs (190-1998) who helped to win the game recording 19 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists and guard Gints Zomerfelds (189-2000) who added 19 points, 7 assists and 5 steals during the contest. Four Turiba players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard Dinass Talents (181-2000) responded with 15 points and 4 assists and guard Ugis Smilgainis (188-1989) scored 6 points and 11 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Turiba have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place. Talsi lost third consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with 11 games lost. They share it with Tukums. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Talsi: B.Renars 15+1ast, T.Dinass 15+2reb+4ast, K.Snikvalds 10+3reb+2ast, V.Reinis 8+6reb+1ast, S.Ugis 6+11reb+1ast, L.Kristaps 4+2ast
Turiba: G.Zomerfelds 19+7ast, N.Zotovs 19+9reb+9ast, K.Septe 13+7reb+1ast, A.Snipke 13+3reb, R.Berzins 9+9reb+1ast, M.Kristers 8+3reb+1ast

gschID: 1055376

Kandava – Grobina 106-61

Leader Kandava delivered the eleventh victory. This time they crushed 9th ranked Grobina (2-9) 106-61. Kandava shot 30 for 44 from the free-throw line, while Grobina only scored five points from the stripe. Kandava forced 20 Grobina turnovers and had a 41-28 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 32 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Grobina’s players. Kandava brought some defensive toughness making 9 blocks. Grobina was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Arturs Grinbergs (190-1996) who helped to win the game recording 27 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists. Guard Guntars Strakis (188-1990) contributed with 25 points and 4 steals for the winners. Four Kandava players scored in double figures. Estonian guard Kristaps Miglinieks (196-1990) replied with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals and center Andis Zarins (201-1988) added 13 points and 13 rebounds in the effort for Grobina. Grobina’s coach Janis Sudmalis gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Kandava maintains first position with 11-2 record. Grobina lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the ninth place with nine games lost. Kandava will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Grobina will play at home against Saldus (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Grobina: K.Miglinieks 22+9reb+4ast, A.Zarins 13+13reb, V.Miks 7+4reb+2ast, S.Janis 7+5reb, G.Jagmins 6+3reb, N.Lagzdins 4+3reb+4ast
Kandava: A.Grinbergs 27+7reb+9ast, G.Strakis 25+3reb+1ast, M.Saulitis 17+7reb, I.Mastins 13+3reb+7ast, A.Lemanis 7+9reb, A.Fridemanis 6+3reb+2ast