Basketball News, Scores, Stats, Analysis, Standings

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 17 in the RNBL took place in Riga. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of second-ranked RSU/VEF (9-3) to third ranked Rigas Z. (9-3) 74-71 in the game for the second place. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of RSU/VEF. Rigas Z. looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. 27 personal fouls committed by RSU/VEF helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was forward Kristers Skrinda (200-2006) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Karlis Vavers (196-2006) chipped in 14 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Davis Matiss Zilde (191-2000) produced 17 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Rigas Z. have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with RSU/VEF and Salaspils. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Liepaja. Leader Kandava faced 3rd placed Liepaja/LSSS. Guests from Kandava (13-0) defeated host Liepaja/LSSS (9-5) 93-75. Guard Guntars Strakis (188-1990) orchestrated the victory by scoring 27 points and 5 rebounds. Eduards Avotins contributed with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Vitalii Kusnetsov answered with 22 points and 5 rebounds for Liepaja/LSSS. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the thirteenth consecutive win for Kandava. They maintain first place with 13-0 record. Liepaja/LSSS at the other side dropped to the fourth position with five games lost. Kandava will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Liepaja/LSSS will play at home against Marupes (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Undefeated leader Kandava delivered the thirteenth consecutive victory on Wednesday night. This time they crushed 8th ranked Tukums (5-9) 110-78. Eduards Avotins stepped up and scored 38 points (!!!), 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Ritvars Kaulins responded with 24 points and 7 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the thirteenth consecutive win for Kandava. They maintain first place with 13-0 record. Tukums lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the eighth position with nine games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

Other games of round 17 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Kekava defeated Saldus in a road game 71-64. Tukums were smashed by Bauska at home 65-93. Grobina was destroyed by Talsi on the opponent’s court 88-69. Jelgava outscored Spars/Ventspils in a home game 91-50. Sigulda was rolled over RSU/VEF on the road 97-57. RSU/VEF crushed Livani on its own court 115-91.

Saldus – Kekava 64-71

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 6th ranked Saldus‘ (5-7) home loss to fifth ranked Kekava (8-6) 64-71 on Saturday. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Kekava made 7 blocks. Guard Rihards Porietis (198-2003, college: Lake Region) stepped up and scored 25 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and forward Janis Gertners (208-1999) chipped in 4 points and 13 rebounds. Kekava’s coach Aigars Vitols used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Guard Kaspars Baumanis (185-1991) responded with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and forward Raitis Spels (196-2006) scored 9 points and 9 rebounds. Kekava maintains fifth place with 8-6 record, which they share with Livani. Loser Saldus dropped to the seventh position with seven games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Kekava: R.Porietis 25+8reb, R.Bensons 10+7reb+1ast, R.Ozolins 10+2reb, R.Kristapsons 5+5reb+2ast, N.Briska 4+1ast, J.Gertners 4+13reb+2ast
Saldus: K.Baumanis 12+5reb+5ast, R.Smidrins 12+4reb+1ast, L.Berzins 10+3reb, R.Spels 9+9reb+1ast, R.Krumins 6+3reb+1ast, J.Dumburs 6+6reb+3ast

gschID: 1210637

Tukums – Bauska 65-93

No shocking result in a game when sixth ranked Bauska (6-7) smashed on the road 8th ranked Tukums (5-9) 93-65 on Saturday. Bauska outrebounded Tukums 46-34 including 34 on the defensive glass. Bauska looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Forward Gundars Bricka (195-1989) stepped up and scored 26 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners and center Viktors Iljins (212-1991) chipped in 18 points and 9 rebounds. Four Bauska players scored in double figures. Kristaps Cavars (197-2001) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds and guard Ricards Pinne (195-1997, college: W.Nebraska) scored 5 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for Bauska. They maintain sixth place with 6-7 record. Tukums lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the eighth position with nine games lost. Bauska will meet at home Talsi (#11) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Tukums will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Bauska: G.Bricka 26+8reb+7ast, V.Iljins 18+9reb+3ast, N.Bikovs 17+5reb+4ast, K.Kalnins 11+1reb+1ast, I.Zemitis 8+6reb+3ast, A.Dulbinskis 6+4reb+1ast
Tukums: K.Cavars 19+10reb, A.Grinbergs 12+2reb+3ast, A.Bistrenkovs 11+2reb+1ast, R.Kaulins 7+2ast, R.Pinne 5+12reb+4ast, K.Horeliks 4+4reb+1ast

gschID: 1210638

Liepaja/LSSS – Kandava 75-93

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Liepaja. Leader Kandava faced 3rd placed Liepaja/LSSS. Guests from Kandava (13-0) defeated host Liepaja/LSSS (9-5) 93-75. Kandava forced 20 Liepaja/LSSS turnovers and outrebounded them 49-31 including 16 on the offensive glass. Kandava players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists. Guard Guntars Strakis (188-1990) orchestrated the victory by scoring 27 points and 5 rebounds. Eduards Avotins (198-2001) contributed with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Four Kandava players scored in double figures. Vitalii Kusnetsov answered with 22 points and 5 rebounds and point guard Gustavs Arajs (169-2006) added 18 points and 4 assists in the effort for Liepaja/LSSS. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the thirteenth consecutive win for Kandava. They maintain first place with 13-0 record. Liepaja/LSSS at the other side dropped to the fourth position with five games lost. Kandava will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Liepaja/LSSS will play at home against Marupes (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kandava: G.Strakis 27+5reb+2ast, E.Avotins 21+8reb+4ast, K.Maura 14+2reb+1ast, M.Krumins 12+6reb+13ast, A.Savcenko 9+10reb+2ast, M.Zviedris 5+6reb+3ast
Liepaja/LSSS: V.Kusnetsov 22+5reb+1ast, G.Arajs 18+2reb+4ast, G.Riekstins 12+5reb+2ast, H.Bajars 8+9reb+3ast, M.Kilups 6+1reb+4ast, E.Jonaitis 3+1reb

gschID: 1210639

Talsi – Grobina 88-69

There was a minor upset when 9th ranked Grobina (4-9) was rolled over on the road by eleventh ranked Talsi (2-13) 88-69 on Sunday. Talsi dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Grobina‘s 30. Talsi forced 28 Grobina turnovers. Guard Dinass Talents (181-2000) stepped up and scored 21 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 steals for the winners and Kristers Donins (-2007) chipped in 15 points. Talsi’s coach Edgars Priede used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Nils Bigelis responded with 13 points and 6 rebounds and Raivo Calitis (193-2002) scored 13 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Talsi maintains eleventh place with 2-13 record. Grobina lost their fourth game in a row. They dropped to the eighth position with nine games lost. They share it with Sigulda. Talsi will meet higher ranked Bauska (#6) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Grobina will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Talsi: D.Talents 21+5reb+8ast, K.Donins 15+1reb+2ast, V.Ross 10+3reb, M.Veliks 10+4reb, K.Snikvalds 6+1reb+1ast, R.Grencis 6+4reb
Grobina: G.Jagmins 17+2reb+1ast, R.Calitis 13+6reb+2ast, N.Bigelis 13+6reb+3ast, V.Birsans 11+3reb, K.Bumbulis 6+4reb+1ast, K.Ivanovskis 4+1ast

gschID: 1210640

Jelgava – Spars/Ventspils 91-50

Very predictable result when second ranked Jelgava (11-2) outscored at home 10th ranked Spars/Ventspils (2-12) 91-50 on Tuesday. Jelgava dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Spars/Ventspils‘ 20. Jelgava forced 21 Spars/Ventspils turnovers and outrebounded them 51-31 including a 36-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. Jelgava looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists comparing to just 7 passes made by Spars/Ventspils‘ players. The former international center Andrejs Selakovs (208-1988) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds for the winners and swingman Edgars Krumins (196-1986) chipped in 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Jelgava players scored in double figures. Forward Agris Stankevics (195-2000) responded with 12 points and 6 rebounds and point guard Ricards Bambis (178-2006) scored 8 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the eighth consecutive win for Jelgava. They maintain second place with 11-2 record behind leader Kandava. Loser Spars/Ventspils keep the tenth position with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Jelgava: E.Krumins 16+5reb+4ast, A.Selakovs 13+12reb+2ast, J.Berzins 12+3reb+1ast, A.Ginters 12+4reb+2ast, K.Plavnieks 10+3reb+5ast, A.Senkans 9+7reb+3ast
Spars/Ventspils: A.Stankevics 12+6reb+1ast, E.Zacs 8+2reb+2ast, R.Bambis 8+4reb+1ast, G.Purins 7+3reb, J.Miluzs 4+1reb, J.Graudins 3+1ast

gschID: 1210641

Kandava – Tukums 110-78

Undefeated leader Kandava delivered the thirteenth consecutive victory on Wednesday night. This time they crushed 8th ranked Tukums (5-9) 110-78. Kandava dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Tukums‘ 34 and made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. Kandava forced 34 Tukums turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. Eduards Avotins (198-2001) stepped up and scored 38 points (!!!), 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals for the winners and guard Guntars Strakis (188-1990) chipped in 25 points, 6 assists and 6 steals. Forward Ritvars Kaulins (196-1991) responded with 24 points and 7 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) and Kristaps Cavars (197-2001) scored 13 points and 9 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. The victory was the thirteenth consecutive win for Kandava. They maintain first place with 13-0 record. Tukums lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the eighth position with nine games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Kandava: E.Avotins 38+8reb+6ast, G.Strakis 25+1reb+6ast, K.Rozentals 10+2reb, M.Osis 9+3reb, M.Krumins 8+6reb+10ast, A.Savcenko 7+6reb+1ast
Tukums: R.Kaulins 24+7reb, K.Cavars 13+9reb+3ast, R.Feikners 12+5reb+7ast, A.Grinbergs 8+2reb+1ast, R.Pinne 6+7reb+2ast, K.Horeliks 6+9reb+4ast

gschID: 1210642

RSU/VEF – Sigulda 97-57

Not a big story in a game in Riga where 8th ranked Sigulda (4-9) was outplayed by second ranked RSU/VEF (9-3) 97-57 on Sunday. RSU/VEF forced 29 Sigulda turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. Point guard Nikolajs Zotovs (190-1998) stepped up and scored 9 points, 10 assists and 4 steals for the winners and Rihards Ginters (192-1993) chipped in 17 points. RSU/VEF’s coach Krists Piternieks felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Center Maris Ramanis (206-2000) responded with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds and the former international point guard Toms Kedis (182-1998, college: Morton CC) scored 12 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for RSU/VEF. They maintain second place with 9-3 record having just three points less than leader Kandava, which they share with Salaspils and Rigas Z. Sigulda lost their third game in a row. They keep the eighth position with nine games lost. They share it with Grobina. RSU/VEF will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Sigulda will play against Rigas Juniori (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
RSU/VEF: G.Glazers 19+1ast, R.Ginters 17+1reb+2ast, N.Zotovs 9+3reb+10ast, G.Blumbergs 8+1reb, M.Rudusans 8+5reb+1ast, R.Racenajs 8+3reb+1ast
Sigulda: K.Vikmanis 15+1reb+1ast, T.Kedis 12+5reb+8ast, M.Ramanis 11+11reb+3ast, E.Atslega 7+7reb+2ast, M.Kalnins 6+1reb+2ast, R.Kalnins 2+3reb

gschID: 1245791

RSU/VEF – Livani 115-91

Everything went according to plan in Riga where second ranked RSU/VEF (9-3) outleveled 6th ranked Livani (8-6) 115-91 on Sunday. RSU/VEF forced 22 Livani turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. Alberts Putans (194-1998) stepped up and scored 18 points and 4 assists for the winners and Peteris Salmins (205-2001) chipped in 14 points and 9 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). RSU/VEF’s coach Krists Piternieks felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Guard Rihards Strauts (199-1991) responded with 23 points and 9 rebounds and power forward Armands Gailiss (207-2004) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds. Five RSU/VEF and four Livani players scored in double figures. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for RSU/VEF. They maintain second place with 9-3 record having just three points less than leader Kandava, which they share with Salaspils and Rigas Z. Loser Livani dropped to the fifth position with six games lost. They share it with Kekava. RSU/VEF will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Livani will play against Ekselences (#11) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
RSU/VEF: A.Putans 18+4reb+4ast, N.Zotovs 15+4reb+3ast, E.Sukteris 15+2reb+2ast, R.Ginters 15+2reb+5ast, P.Salmins 14+9reb, G.Glazers 12
Livani: R.Strauts 23+9reb+3ast, R.Teirumnieks 16+4reb+7ast, A.Gailiss 14+12reb+2ast, A.Hermanis 11+6reb+2ast, G.Kleins 9, R.Iesalnieks 9+1ast