There were just 6 rounds played in Regular Season of Lat-Est BL and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Ukrainian Prometey as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Prometey smashed 4th ranked Estonian Tartu in Kamianske 101-64. Prometey dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Tartu’s 28. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. It was a good game for Czech center Ondrej Balvin (217-1992, agency: Octagon Europe) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds. Nigerian-Canadian Caleb Agada (196-1994, college: Ottawa, agency: Pensack Sports) contributed with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Ukrainian Andrii Voinalovych (207-1999) replied with 23 points and 6 rebounds for Tartu. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Undefeated Prometey (6-0) have an impressive six-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Tartu at the other side dropped to the sixth place with three games lost. They share the position with LU. Tartu will play next round against Tarvas trying to get back on the winning streak. Prometey will try to continue on its current victory against fifth ranked Liepaja at home.
One of the most interesting games of round 6 was a derby match between two teams from Estonia. The game took place in Rakvere where fourteenth ranked TalTech won against host Tarvas (0-6) 88-72. Latvian Kristaps Gluditis (190-1995) had a double-double by scoring 23 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals to lead the charge for the winners and Gregor Ilves chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was Croatian center Antun Maricevic (208-1997, college: S.Florida, agency: Helping Ballers) with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. TalTech (1-5) left bottom position moving up to thirteenth place, which they share with Tallinna Kalev. It was Tarvas’ sixth loss in a row. They still close the standings with six games lost. They share the position with Valmiera Glass. TalTech’s supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tallinn Tallinna Kalev.
One of the most interesting games of round 6 was a derby match between two teams from Estonia. Eighth ranked Rapla won against host Viimsi (3-3) 77-72. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Viimsi. Tyler Cheese notched 21 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort. Even 15 points and 8 rebounds by Malik Toppin did not help to save the game for Viimsi. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Rapla (4-2) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Liepaja. Loser Viimsi keeps the tenth position with three games lost. They share it with VEF Riga. Rapla will meet at home Kalev/Cramo (#8) in the next round. Viimsi will play against LU in Riga and hope to secure a win.
There were no big surprises in other games of round 6: winless Tarvas was smashed by LU on the road 99-56. Winless Valmiera Glass lost to Viimsi on its own court 71-83. Tallinna Kalev unfortunately lost to Ventspils in a road game 76-90. Liepaja managed to beat Tallinna Kalev at home 86-83. BK Ogre defeated Keila on the opponent’s court 87-81. LU beat Parnu in a home game 73-59. VEF Riga lost to Kalev/Cramo on the road 66-78.
The most impressive performance of 6th round was 13 points and 8 assists by Alterique Gilbert of Kalev/Cramo.
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LU – Tarvas 99-56
No shocking result in a game when tenth ranked Latvian LU (4-3) crushed bottom-ranked Estonian Tarvas (0-6) in Riga 99-56 on Wednesday. LU made 28-of-34 free shots (82.4 percent) during the game, while Tarvas only scored ten points from the stripe. LU forced 24 Tarvas turnovers and outrebounded them 41-28 including 30 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Latvian center Reinis Avotins (206-1998) notched 19 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort and point guard Toms Skuja (184-2002) supported him with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists. Even 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists by Ukrainian Volodymyr Shevchenko (200-1994, agency: BIG) did not help to save the game for Tarvas. Croatian center Antun Maricevic (208-1997, college: S.Florida, agency: Helping Ballers) added 15 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). 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. LU moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Tartu. Loser Tarvas still closes the standings with six games lost. They share the position with Valmiera Glass. LU will meet at home Viimsi (#11) in the next round where they are favorite. Tarvas will play against Tartu (#6) and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
LU: R.Avotins 19+6reb+3ast, S.Toms 12+5reb+9ast, E.Mezulis 11+10reb+1ast, G.Kampuss 10+3reb, P.Miglinieks 9+2ast, K.Cavars 9+2reb
Tarvas: A.Maricevic 15+7reb, V.Shevchenko 13+5reb+4ast, E.Kaasik 8+1reb+1ast, J.Razdevsek 7+2reb+1ast, L.Arvan-Johhannes 5+4reb+3ast, S.Ralf 4+2reb+4ast
gschID: 1011669
Valmiera Glass – Viimsi 71-83
Very expected game when bottom-ranked Latvian Valmiera Glass (0-6) lost at home to tenth ranked Estonian Viimsi (3-3) 83-71 on Wednesday. Viimsi outrebounded Valmiera Glass 41-30 including 30 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. American center Malik Toppin (206-1997, college: Salem) notched a double-double by scoring 26 points and 11 rebounds to lead the effort and the other American import point guard Devin Harris (182-1992, college: OKWU) supported him with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Toppin is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Even 19 points and 7 rebounds by American center Tervell Beck (201-1996, college: Kent St.) did not help to save the game for Valmiera Glass. Latvian Valters Veveris (193-2000) added 13 points and 5 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Viimsi have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain tenth position with 3-3 record, which they share with VEF Riga. Loser Valmiera Glass still closes the standings with six games lost. They share the position with Tarvas. Viimsi will meet higher ranked LU (#7) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Valmiera Glass will play against Keila (#12) and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Viimsi: M.Toppin 26+11reb+3ast, R.Jorgen 16+5reb+1ast, E.Haller 11+5reb+1ast, D.Harris 11+5reb+7ast, K.Lips 7+10reb+4ast, S.Post 6+2reb+6ast
Valmiera Glass: T.Beck 19+7reb+1ast, V.Veveris 13+1reb+5ast, J.McCall 12+6reb, T.Vaiciunas 10+5reb+3ast, N.Salenieks 7+3reb+4ast, D.Gak 6+2reb+3ast
gschID: 1011670
Ventspils – Tallinna Kalev 90-76
Very predictable result when second ranked Latvian Ventspils (6-1) won against at home 13th ranked Estonian Tallinna Kalev (1-5) 90-76 on Friday. Ventspils looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Guntis Sipolins (207-1993) notched 19 points and 8 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and Linards Jaunzems (200-1995) supported him with 9 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Four Ventspils players scored in double figures. Even 20 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists by Kristjan Kangur (202-1982) did not help to save the game for Tallinna Kalev. Rain Veideman (194-1991) added 19 points. Tallinna Kalev’s coach rotated ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ventspils have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 6-1 record having just one point less than leader Prometey. Tallinna Kalev lost third consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth place with five games lost. They share the position with TalTech. Ventspils will meet BK Ogre (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Tallinna Kalev’s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tallinn to the arena TalTech.
Top scorers:
Ventspils: G.Sipolins 19+8reb+3ast, K.Mediss 18+2reb+2ast, I.Gandia-Rosa 17+1reb+5ast, M.Yarbrough 13+4reb+1ast, L.Jaunzems 9+9reb+6ast, A.Ausejs 6+5reb+6ast
Tallinna Kalev: K.Kangur 20+8reb+7ast, R.Veideman 19+2reb+2ast, S.Sokk 12+3reb+5ast, E.Schmalz 8+2reb+1ast, I.Kajupank 5+3reb+2ast, R.Andre 4+1reb
gschID: 1011671
Tarvas – TalTech 72-88
One of the most interesting games of round 6 was a derby match between two teams from Estonia. The game took place in Rakvere where fourteenth ranked TalTech won against host Tarvas (0-6) 88-72. TalTech forced 19 Tarvas turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Latvian Kristaps Gluditis (190-1995) had a double-double by scoring 23 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals to lead the charge for the winners and Estonian point guard Gregor Ilves (190-1999) chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was Croatian center Antun Maricevic (208-1997, college: S.Florida, agency: Helping Ballers) with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists and Ukrainian Vitalii Shymanskyi (205-2003) produced a double-double by scoring 10 points and 12 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. TalTech (1-5) left bottom position moving up to thirteenth place, which they share with Tallinna Kalev. It was Tarvas’ sixth loss in a row. They still close the standings with six games lost. They share the position with Valmiera Glass. TalTech’s supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tallinn Tallinna Kalev.
Top scorers:
TalTech: K.Gluditis 23+10reb+9ast, G.Ilves 13+7reb+3ast, O.Metsalu 12+4ast, E.Keedus 11+7reb+2ast, K.Ralf 11+2reb+1ast, T.Raadik 8+3reb
Tarvas: A.Maricevic 18+10reb+5ast, J.Razdevsek 13+4reb+2ast, E.Kaasik 12+1reb+4ast, S.Ralf 11+3reb+3ast, S.Vitalii 10+12reb+1ast, P.Martti 3+1reb+2ast
gschID: 1011672
Liepaja – Tallinna Kalev 86-83
Not a big story in a game when 13th ranked Estonian Tallinna Kalev (1-5) was edged on the road by seventh ranked Latvian Liepaja (4-2) 86-83 on Saturday. However just three-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Ricards Vanags (202-2002) notched 25 points and 6 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) to lead the effort and center Karlis Silins (209-1997, college: FAU) supported him with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Even 27 points and 7 rebounds by Kristjan Kangur (202-1982) did not help to save the game for Tallinna Kalev. Rain Veideman (194-1991) added 21 points and 5 assists. Tallinna Kalev’s coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn’t help. Liepaja moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Rapla. Tallinna Kalev lost third consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with five games lost. They share it with TalTech. Liepaja will meet league’s leader Prometey in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Tallinna Kalev’s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tallinn to the arena TalTech.
Top scorers:
Liepaja: V.Ricards 25+6reb+2ast, K.Silins 19+10reb+1ast, R.Birkans 17+4reb+3ast, K.Zunda 7+4reb+4ast, V.Juris 6+1reb+1ast, O.Berzins 4+2reb+4ast
Tallinna Kalev: K.Kangur 27+7reb+3ast, R.Veideman 21+4reb+5ast, S.Sokk 13+4reb+4ast, R.Andre 9+3reb, J.Karl 8+6reb, I.Kajupank 5+3reb+1ast
gschID: 1011673
Prometey – Tartu 101-64
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Ukrainian Prometey as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Prometey smashed 4th ranked Estonian Tartu in Kamianske 101-64. Prometey dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Tartu’s 28. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. It was a good game for Czech center Ondrej Balvin (217-1992, agency: Octagon Europe) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds. Nigerian-Canadian Caleb Agada (196-1994, college: Ottawa, agency: Pensack Sports) contributed with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Four Prometey players scored in double figures. Ukrainian Andrii Voinalovych (207-1999) replied with 23 points and 6 rebounds and Estonian point guard Oliver Suurorg (194-2000) added 7 points and 6 assists in the effort for Tartu. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Prometey (6-0) have an impressive six-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Tartu at the other side dropped to the sixth place with three games lost. They share the position with LU. Tartu will play next round against Tarvas trying to get back on the winning streak. Prometey will try to continue on its current victory against fifth ranked Liepaja at home.
Top scorers:
Prometey: D.Stephens 19+1reb, D.Lukashov 16+3reb+3ast, O.Balvin 14+11reb+1ast, C.Agada 11+7reb+5ast, I.Sanon 10+2reb+3ast, V.Petrov 8+3reb+3ast
Tartu: A.Voinalovych 23+6reb+3ast, P.Saal 10+5reb+1ast, H.Eelmae 9+3reb, O.Suurorg 7+3reb+6ast, T.Pavelka 5+8reb+1ast, J.McCloud 4+1reb
gschID: 1011674
Keila – BK Ogre 81-87
Everything went according to plan when third ranked Latvian BK Ogre (5-2) defeated on the road 12th ranked Estonian Keila (1-3) 87-81 on Sunday. BK Ogre made 17-of-19 free shots (89.5 percent) during the game. Point guard Edgars Lasenbergs (187-1995) notched 22 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) to lead the effort and Latvian Kristaps Dargais (198-1990) supported him with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Five BK Ogre players scored in double figures. Even 17 points and 6 rebounds by Croatian center Matej Radunic (211-1996) did not help to save the game for Keila. Latvian point guard Marcis Vitols (186-1992) added 14 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. BK Ogre have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 5-2 record behind leader Prometey. Newly promoted Keila keeps the twelfth place with three games lost. BK Ogre will meet at home league’s second-placed Ventspils in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Keila will play against Valmiera Glass (#16) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
BK Ogre: E.Lasenbergs 22+9reb+4ast, K.Dargais 17+8reb+4ast, R.Magone 15+5reb+2ast, K.Apsitis 14+3reb, U.Pinete 10+4reb, R.Zebergs 6+1reb
Keila: M.Radunic 17+6reb+1ast, M.Vitols 14+3reb+3ast, S.Saaremael 10, C.Sengbusch 10, I.Mikhieiev 9+2reb, K.Saks 8+7reb+5ast
gschID: 1011675
LU – Parnu 73-59
There was an upset when higher ranked Estonian Parnu (3-2) lost to tenth ranked Latvian LU (4-3) in Riga 59-73 on Sunday. Latvian center Edvards Mezulis (202-2000) notched 20 points to lead the effort and Latvian center Reinis Avotins (206-1998) supported him with 8 points and 12 rebounds. Even 17 points by Robert Valge (192-1997) did not help to save the game for Parnu. Mihkel Kirves (200-1996) added 13 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. LU moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Tartu. Defending Estonian champion Parnu dropped to the eighth position with two games lost. They share it with Kalev/Cramo. LU will meet at home Viimsi (#11) in the next round where they are favorite. Parnu will play against VEF Riga and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
LU: E.Mezulis 20+3reb, S.Toms 9+5reb+3ast, R.Aleksandrovs 9+3reb, G.Kampuss 9+3reb+1ast, R.Avotins 8+12reb+1ast, P.Miglinieks 6+3reb+2ast
Parnu: R.Valge 17+3reb+2ast, M.Kirves 13+9reb, T.Barnies 9+6reb+1ast, M.McCarthy 8+6reb, S.Pavlov 8+5reb+1ast, S.Aav 1+1reb+2ast
gschID: 1011676
Viimsi – Rapla 72-77
One of the most interesting games of round 6 was a derby match between two teams from Estonia. Eighth ranked Rapla won against host Viimsi (3-3) 77-72. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Viimsi. American guard Tyler Cheese (193-1996, college: Akron) notched 21 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort and Bosnian center Obrad Tomic (208-1993, agency: PEPI SPORT) supported him with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Even 15 points and 8 rebounds by American center Malik Toppin (206-1997, college: Salem) did not help to save the game for Viimsi. Point guard Siim-Markus Post (184-1997) added 17 points and 5 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Rapla (4-2) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Liepaja. Loser Viimsi keeps the tenth position with three games lost. They share it with VEF Riga. Rapla will meet at home Kalev/Cramo (#8) in the next round. Viimsi will play against LU in Riga and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Rapla: T.Cheese 21+6reb+3ast, O.Tomic 13+12reb, R.Laane 13+7reb+3ast, K.Stephens 13+5reb+2ast, I.Sunelik 9+5reb+2ast, S.Kaldre 6+2reb
Viimsi: S.Post 17+2reb+5ast, M.Toppin 15+8reb+2ast, D.Harris 14+3reb+6ast, E.Haller 12+2reb+1ast, K.Kokk 3+2reb, A.Hint 3+5reb
gschID: 1011677
Kalev/Cramo – VEF Riga 78-66
There was a small surprise when eleventh ranked Estonian Kalev/Cramo (3-2) beat 9th ranked Latvian VEF Riga (3-3) in Tallinn 78-66 on Sunday. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Kalev/Cramo made 7 blocks. American players dominated the game. Wesley Van Beck (191-1996, college: Houston) notched 21 points and 5 rebounds to lead the effort and point guard Alterique Gilbert (183-1997, college: Wichita St.) supported him with 13 points and 8 assists. Even a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds by center Nysier Brooks (213-1996, college: Ole Miss, agency: Green Sports Management) did not help to save the game for VEF Riga. Point guard Glenn Cosey (183-1992, college: EKU) added 10 points and 8 assists. Four VEF Riga players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kalev/Cramo moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Parnu. Defending Latvian champion VEF Riga dropped to the tenth position with three games lost. They share it with Viimsi. Kalev/Cramo will meet higher ranked Rapla (#4) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. VEF Riga will play against Parnu (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kalev/Cramo: W.Van Beck 21+5reb, M.Meiers 14+4reb+1ast, A.Gilbert 13+4reb+8ast, K.Kitsing 8+4reb+2ast, A.Konontsuk 7+6reb+3ast, T.Jurkatamm 6+2reb+2ast
VEF Riga: N.Brooks 15+10reb, K.Zoriks 12+1reb+7ast, G.Cosey 10+4reb+8ast, A.Ate 10+8reb+1ast, A.Miska 6+1reb, V.Zotov 5+1reb
gschID: 1011678
Tags : ONDREJ BALVIN, LAT-EST BL BASKETBALL, CZECH REPUBLIC NATIONAL TEAM
