The teams have now bigger motivation at this stage of Regular Season. Every game can be crucial and decide about teams’ position at the end of Regular Season. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.
The most interesting game of round 35 was a derby match between two teams from Estonia. First ranked Kalev/Cramo outleveled host Viimsi (5-21) 95-70. Kalev/Cramo dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Viimsi‘s 38. They outrebounded Viimsi 38-27 including 28 on the defensive glass. Kalev/Cramo looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a great evening for Kregor Hermet (205-1997) who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. American point guard Ben Shungu (188-1997, college: Vermont) helped adding 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. point guard Oliver Suurorg (195-2000) responded with 14 points and 5 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. Kalev/Cramo (24-1) have an impressive series of sixteen victories in a row. Defending Estonian champion maintains first place. Viimsi lost eleventh consecutive game. They keep the fourteenth position with 21 games lost. Kalev/Cramo are looking forward to face Liepaja (#11) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Viimsi will have a break next round.
An interesting game took place in Valmiera where higher ranked Estonian Parnu (13-13) was upset on the court of thirteenth ranked Latvian Valmiera Glass (6-19) 61-56. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Parnu. It was an exceptional evening for Ukrainian center Rostyslav Novitskyi (208-2000, college: Fordham) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds. Seneca Knight accounted for 13 points and 8 rebounds. Valmiera Glass’ coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. point guard Siim-Markus Post (184-1997) came up with 5 points, 5 rebounds and 12 assists for Parnu in the defeat. Valmiera Glass maintains thirteenth place with 6-19 record. Parnu at the other side keeps the eighth position with 13 games lost. Valmiera Glass will play against higher ranked TalTech (#9) in Tallinn in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Parnu will play at home against BK Ogre and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 35: TalTech won against Liepaja on the opponent’s court 81-68. Rapla unfortunately lost to Ventspils in a home game 72-76. BK Ogre recorded a loss to Tartu on the road 76-82. Tallinn Kalev was defeated by Ventspils on its own court 80-94. VEF Riga beat Keila in a road game 77-72.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 23 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists by Karlis Zunda of Keila.
Liepaja – TalTech 68-81
Rather expected game when 11th ranked Latvian Liepaja (10-15) was defeated at home by ninth ranked Estonian TalTech (12-14) 81-68. Liepaja was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. It was an exceptional evening for Oliver Metsalu (196-1993) who led the winners and scored 26 points (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). Gregor Kuuba (200-2003) accounted for 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side. Center Klavs Dubults (205-1996) came up with 13 points and 9 rebounds and center Reinis Avotins (205-1998) added 16 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Liepaja in the defeat. Liepaja’s coach rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn’t help. TalTech maintains ninth place with 12-14 record. Liepaja at the other side keeps the eleventh position with 15 games lost. TalTech will play against league’s second-placed Prometey in Kamianske in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Liepaja will play on the road against Tallinn Kalev (#15) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Liepaja: R.Avotins 16+7reb, K.Dubults 13+9reb+1ast, K.Kilps 12+2reb+3ast, E.Krumins 8+2reb+6ast, V.Iljins 6+4reb, R.Vitolskis 6+4ast
TalTech: O.Metsalu 26+4reb+3ast, K.Gregor 15+7reb+4ast, G.Ilves 12+3reb+6ast, R.Andre Pehka 8+4reb+3ast, T.Jurkatamm 7+7reb+1ast, V.Kaarel 5+2reb
gschID: 1143593
Viimsi – Kalev/Cramo 70-95
The most interesting game of round 35 was a derby match between two teams from Estonia. First ranked Kalev/Cramo outleveled host Viimsi (5-21) 95-70. Kalev/Cramo dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Viimsi‘s 38. They outrebounded Viimsi 38-27 including 28 on the defensive glass. Kalev/Cramo looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a great evening for Kregor Hermet (205-1997) who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. American point guard Ben Shungu (188-1997, college: Vermont) helped adding 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Point guard Oliver Suurorg (195-2000) responded with 14 points and 5 rebounds and American forward Tydus Verhoeven (206-1998, college: Northwestern, agency: Helping Ballers) scored 13 points and 5 rebounds. Five Kalev/Cramo and four Viimsi players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Kalev/Cramo (24-1) have an impressive series of sixteen victories in a row. Defending Estonian champion maintains first place. Viimsi lost eleventh consecutive game. They keep the fourteenth position with 21 games lost. Kalev/Cramo are looking forward to face Liepaja (#11) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Viimsi will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Viimsi: O.Suurorg 14+5reb+3ast, T.Verhoeven 13+5reb+3ast, V.Stefan 12+2reb+2ast, K.Sund 11+1reb+1ast, L.Gerrit 8+1reb+2ast, K.Kokk 6+4reb
Kalev/Cramo: K.Hermet 17+8reb+4ast, M.Suarez 15+6reb+1ast, B.Shungu 14+5reb+4ast, R.Nurger 12+6reb, M.Jurkatamm 10+4reb+3ast, K.Kitsing 9+2reb
gschID: 1143594
Rapla – Ventspils 72-76
Very predictable result when fourth ranked Latvian Ventspils (19-7) defeated on the road 10th ranked Estonian Rapla (11-15) 76-72. It was an exceptional evening for American guard Ishmael El-Amin (189-1998, college: URI) who led the winners and scored 20 points. Linards Jaunzems (200-1995) accounted for 13 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Guard Martin Paasoja (191-1993, agency: Helping Ballers) came up with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists and American power forward Malik Pope (208-1996, college: SDSU) added 11 points and 12 rebounds respectively for Rapla in the defeat. Rapla’s coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn’t help. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Ventspils. They maintain fourth place with 19-7 record. Rapla at the other side keeps the tenth position with 15 games lost. Ventspils will play against higher ranked VEF Riga (#3) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Rapla will play against Rigas Z. (#6) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Rapla: M.Paasoja 19+6reb+7ast, V.Shevchenko 15+4reb+3ast, M.Pope 11+12reb+2ast, R.Laane 9+2reb+6ast, T.Niits 9+5reb+1ast, M.Ruut 5+3reb+1ast
Ventspils: I.El-Amin 20+3reb+2ast, L.Jaunzems 13+8reb, E.Mezulis 9+5reb+2ast, A.Ausejs 8+2reb+6ast, D.Francis 8+5reb+3ast, R.Zakis 7+5reb+1ast
gschID: 1143595
Tartu – BK Ogre 82-76
Not a big story in a game when 7th ranked Latvian BK Ogre (15-12) was defeated on the road by fifth ranked Estonian Tartu (17-8) 82-76. It was an exceptional evening for point guard Mart Rosenthal (196-1999) who led the winners and scored 26 points. Latvian center Davis Rozitis (214-1990, college: Hawaii) accounted for 14 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side. Rozitis is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American power forward Andrew Corum (201-1997, college: Virginia St.) came up with 12 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import point guard EJ Day (180-2000, college: Lasell) added 8 points and 8 assists respectively for BK Ogre in the defeat. Four BK Ogre players scored in double figures. BK Ogre’s coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn’t help. Tartu maintains fifth place with 17-8 record. BK Ogre at the other side keeps the seventh position with 12 games lost. Tartu will play against league’s second-placed Prometey in Kamianske in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. BK Ogre will play on the road against Parnu (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
BK Ogre: A.Misters 13+2reb+1ast, A.Corum 12+8reb+1ast, K.Mediss 11+4reb+2ast, R.Zebergs 10+3reb+1ast, E.Day 8+4reb+8ast, M.Kulackovskis 7+3reb+1ast
Tartu: M.Rosenthal 26+4reb+2ast, D.Rozitis 14+9reb+1ast, R.Veideman 13+3reb+2ast, H.Eelmae 9+3reb+1ast, R.Kivi 7+2reb+1ast, A.Shundel 6+5reb+4ast
gschID: 1143596
Valmiera Glass – Parnu 61-56
An interesting game took place in Valmiera where higher ranked Estonian Parnu (13-13) was upset on the court of thirteenth ranked Latvian Valmiera Glass (6-19) 61-56. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Parnu. They outrebounded Parnu 51-34 including 40 on the defensive glass. It was an exceptional evening for Ukrainian center Rostyslav Novitskyi (208-2000, college: Fordham) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds. American guard Seneca Knight (198-2000, college: Illinois St.) accounted for 13 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Valmiera Glass’ coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Point guard Siim-Markus Post (184-1997) came up with 5 points, 5 rebounds and 12 assists and Dutch center Menno Dijkstra (213-1997, college: UC Riverside) added 12 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Parnu in the defeat. Valmiera Glass maintains thirteenth place with 6-19 record. Parnu at the other side keeps the eighth position with 13 games lost. Valmiera Glass will play against higher ranked TalTech (#9) in Tallinn in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Parnu will play at home against BK Ogre and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Parnu: I.Tamm 14+3reb, R.Valge 13+1reb+1ast, M.Dijkstra 12+6reb, T.Barnies 8+6reb+1ast, S.Post 5+5reb+12ast, S.Aav 2+3reb+1ast
Valmiera Glass: R.Novitskyi 16+10reb+2ast, S.Knight 13+8reb+3ast, E.Elksnis 12+6reb+5ast, G.Sipolins 7+8reb+3ast, K.Huntsberry 7+11reb+1ast, K.Kristofers 3+1reb
gschID: 1143597
Tallinn Kalev – Ventspils 80-94
Everything went according to plan when fourth ranked Latvian Ventspils (19-7) beat on the road 15th ranked Estonian Tallinn Kalev (3-22) 94-80. Ventspils outrebounded Tallinn Kalev 46-34 including a 35-23 advantage in defensive rebounds. Ventspils players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Tallinn Kalev‘s players. It was an exceptional evening for American guard Daeshon Francis (193-1996, college: UTPB) who led the winners and scored 18 points and 4 assists. Linards Jaunzems (200-1995) accounted for 12 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side. Ventspils’ coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Toomas Raadik (202-1990) came up with 17 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and American guard Bailey Hardy (188, college: LCU, agency: VM Hoops Agency) added 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for Tallinn Kalev in the defeat. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Ventspils. They maintain fourth place with 19-7 record. Tallinn Kalev lost their fifth game in a row. They keep the fifteenth position with 22 games lost. Ventspils will play against higher ranked VEF Riga (#3) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Tallinn Kalev will play against Liepaja (#11) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Tallinn Kalev: T.Raadik 17+6reb, M.Paiste 13+2reb+2ast, C.Campbell 10+2reb+1ast, D.Lilly 10+6reb+1ast, B.Hardy 10+7reb+4ast, G.Allemann 7+2reb
Ventspils: I.El-Amin 20+3reb+3ast, T.Vasiljevic 18+6reb+1ast, D.Francis 18+4reb+4ast, A.Ausejs 13+4reb+2ast, L.Jaunzems 12+10reb+4ast, R.Zakis 6+5reb+5ast
gschID: 1143598
Keila – VEF Riga 72-77
There was no surprise when 12th ranked Estonian Keila (9-17) was defeated at home by third ranked Latvian VEF Riga (21-5) 77-72. It was an exceptional evening for American Greg Whittington (205-1993, college: Georgetown) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds. His fellow American import guard Jaizec Lottie (188-1998, college: Flagler) accounted for 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side. Four VEF Riga players scored in double figures. Latvian Karlis Zunda (197-1997) came up with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists and Ukrainian forward Andrii Myronenko (200-1994, agency: BIG) added 18 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Keila in the defeat. The victory was the tenth consecutive win for VEF Riga. Defending Latvian champion maintains third place with 21-5 record having just two points less than leader Kalev/Cramo. Keila at the other side keeps the twelfth position with 17 games lost. VEF Riga will play against Ventspils (#4) at home in the next round. Keila will play against LU (#16) in Riga and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Keila: K.Zunda 23+7reb+7ast, A.Myronenko 18+5reb, M.Pahv 9+1reb+3ast, K.Kristen 7+9reb+4ast, D.Krestinin 7+5reb+1ast, K.Saks 6+3reb+1ast
VEF Riga: P.Pipes 15+1reb+2ast, J.Lottie 13+5reb+4ast, G.Whittington 13+12reb+2ast, B.Roberts 12+4reb+2ast, D.Bertans 9+2reb+3ast, R.Bumeisters 6+6reb+4ast
gschID: 1143599
