Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.
The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of RSU/VEF (9-1) in Riga on Thursday night. Hosts were defeated by leader Gulbenes Buki (7-0) 69-59. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of RSU/VEF. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Strangely RSU/VEF outrebounded Gulbenes Buki 47-31 including 33 on the defensive glass. Arturs Strelnieks (195-1985) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for the winners and Janis Engers (200-1995) chipped in 12 points and 6 rebounds. At the losing side Peteris Salmins (205-2001) responded with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Undefeated Gulbenes Buki have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They maintain second place with 7-0 record having seven points less than leader RSU/VEF. RSU/VEF at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. Gulbenes Buki are looking forward to face Livani (#4) on the road in the next round. RSU/VEF’s supporters also look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Riga to the arena VEF BA Valka.
Another exciting game was a derby match between two teams from Riga: VEF BA Valka (#6) and RTU (#7). RTU was defeated at home 89-93 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. Ukrainian guard Ihor Klimov (190-2001) nailed 32 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side and Elvis Sukteris accounted for 17 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists. Guard Martins Zviedris (193-2003) came up with 28 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for RTU in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. VEF BA Valka maintains sixth place with 3-4 record. RTU lost their fourth game in a row. They dropped to the eighth position with four games lost. VEF BA Valka’s supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Riga RSU/VEF.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Riga. First ranked host RSU/VEF (9-1) smashed 4th placed Livani (4-5) 92-70. Nils Baumeisters fired 30 points (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) for the winners. RSU/VEF’s coach Kristaps Zeids felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Rihards Strauts produced a double-double by scoring 24 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals (made all of his seven free throws) for lost side. The victory was the third consecutive win for RSU/VEF. They maintain first place with 9-1 record. Livani lost their third game in a row. They keep the fourth position with five games lost. RSU/VEF’s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Riga to the arena VEF BA Valka.
There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 13: Livani was destroyed by Riga/DSN on the opponent’s court 102-79. BS Ogre managed to outperform Limbazi in a home game 84-67. Winless Bertanu was rolled over LU/BS Riga on the road 95-62. Liepaja/LSSS was crushed by Kandava on its own court 64-84. Saldus was smashed by Bauska in a road game 98-79. Grobina were destroyed by Turiba at home 62-114. Riga/DSN unfortunately lost to VEF BA Valka on the opponent’s court 79-81. Kekava managed to beat Talsi in a home game 87-80. VeA was crushed by Jelgava on the road 66-107. VeA beat Bauska on its own court 115-108. Gulbenes Buki destroyed Limbazi in Riga 101-66. RTU managed to outperform Bertanu at home 86-71. Kekava recorded a loss to Kandava on the opponent’s court 95-89. Saldus was defeated by Liepaja/LSSS in a home game 76-80. Grobina were beaten by Talsi on the road 82-79.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 29 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists by Dinass Talents of Talsi.
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Riga/DSN – Livani 102-79
There was an upset when 4th placed Livani (4-5) was crushed on the road by ninth ranked Riga/DSN (2-6) 102-79 on Wednesday. Riga/DSN outrebounded Livani 50-33 including 35 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Guard Pauls Katlaps (188-2006) fired 29 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Guard Kristofers Karlsons (185-2004) chipped in 17 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Riga/DSN’s coach felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Toms Liepins (180-2002) produced 23 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals and guard Raimonds Pabrieza (188-1988) added 20 points and 4 steals respectively for lost side. Four Livani players scored in double figures. Riga/DSN maintains ninth place with 2-6 record. Livani lost their third game in a row. They keep the fourth position with five games lost. Riga/DSN will meet Bertanu (#10) in the next round. Livani will play against the league’s second-placed Gulbenes Buki (#2) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Riga/DSN: K.Pauls 29+5reb+4ast, K.Kristofers 17+9reb+5ast, G.Dans 13+8reb+4ast, S.Edvards 12+1reb+1ast, F.Martins 9+1reb, P.Karlis 8+4reb
Livani: T.Liepins 23+7reb+5ast, R.Pabrieza 20+3reb+3ast, K.Gustavs 11+1reb+2ast, M.Malnieks 10+4reb+1ast, L.Matiss 8+2reb+1ast, D.Ozolins 7+9reb+1ast
gschID: 1048555
RSU/VEF – Gulbenes Buki 59-69
The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated RSU/VEF (9-1) in Riga on Thursday night. Hosts were defeated by leader Gulbenes Buki (7-0) 69-59. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of RSU/VEF. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Strangely RSU/VEF outrebounded Gulbenes Buki 47-31 including 33 on the defensive glass. Arturs Strelnieks (195-1985) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for the winners and Janis Engers (200-1995) chipped in 12 points and 6 rebounds. At the losing side Peteris Salmins (205-2001) responded with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds and guard Davis Matiss Zilde (191-2000) scored 13 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Gulbenes Buki have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They maintain second place with 7-0 record having seven points less than leader RSU/VEF. RSU/VEF at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. Gulbenes Buki are looking forward to face Livani (#4) on the road in the next round. RSU/VEF’s supporters also look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Riga to the arena VEF BA Valka.
Top scorers:
Gulbenes Buki: A.Strelnieks 23+13reb+4ast, J.Engers 12+6reb, S.Rolands 10+2reb+2ast, E.Ivanovs 9+1reb+2ast, J.Antrops 7+5reb+2ast, T.Kohanovs 5+1reb+3ast
RSU/VEF: P.Salmins 14+12reb+2ast, D.Matiss Zilde 13+7reb+3ast, B.Rihards 9+4reb+1ast, R.Ginters 7+10reb+2ast, R.Ozolins 6+1reb+3ast, A.Putans 5+4reb+5ast
gschID: 1048557
RTU – VEF BA Valka 89-93
Another exciting game was a derby match between two teams from Riga: VEF BA Valka (#6) and RTU (#7). RTU was defeated at home 89-93 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. VEF BA Valka forced 25 RTU turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Ukrainian guard Ihor Klimov (190-2001) nailed 32 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side and Elvis Sukteris (197-1996) accounted for 17 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists. Five VEF BA Valka players scored in double figures. Guard Martins Zviedris (193-2003) came up with 28 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and Raimonds Cudars (196-2002) added 13 points and 12 rebounds respectively for RTU in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. VEF BA Valka maintains sixth place with 3-4 record. RTU lost their fourth game in a row. They dropped to the eighth position with four games lost. VEF BA Valka’s supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Riga RSU/VEF.
Top scorers:
VEF BA Valka: K.Ihor 32+8reb+3ast, E.Sukteris 17+14reb+7ast, S.Renars 14+8reb+2ast, D.Minajevs 13+12reb, P.Yaroslav 11+6reb+5ast, K.Mikus 3+1reb+1ast
RTU: Z.Martins 28+6reb+4ast, C.Raimonds 13+12reb+1ast, K.Ozolins 8+4reb, N.Svens 8+3reb+6ast, E.Jurgis 8+4reb+2ast, A.Kristaps 7+6reb+2ast
gschID: 1048559
BS Ogre – Limbazi 84-67
There was a small surprise when seventh ranked BS Ogre (3-5) defeated at home 4th placed Limbazi (3-3) 84-67 on Friday. Guard Matiss Sivins (201-1998, college: UAFS) fired 27 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Markuss Lastins (194-2004) chipped in 10 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Guard Roberts Ikaunieks (195-1997) produced 13 points and 9 rebounds and forward Peteris Penka (200-1991) added 11 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The victory was the third consecutive win for BS Ogre. They maintain seventh place with 3-5 record. Limbazi lost their third game in a row. They dropped to the fifth position with three games lost. BS Ogre will meet higher ranked LU/BS Riga (#3) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Limbazi will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
BS Ogre: M.Sivins 27+9reb+1ast, M.Brencans 16+9reb+1ast, K.Markuss 15+4reb+4ast, L.Markuss 10+8reb+8ast, K.Harijs 9+4reb+1ast, L.Gaitis 2+2reb+1ast
Limbazi: G.Licitis 13+4reb+1ast, R.Ikaunieks 13+9reb, T.Upe 12+4reb+1ast, P.Penka 11+9reb+1ast, O.Grinbergs 9+5reb+2ast, J.Blodons 4+2reb
gschID: 1048560
LU/BS Riga – Bertanu 95-62
Not a big story in a game when bottom-ranked Bertanu (0-7) was rolled over on the road by fourth ranked LU/BS Riga (4-2) 95-62 on Saturday. LU/BS Riga dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to Bertanu’s 36. LU/BS Riga forced 24 Bertanu turnovers and outrebounded them 48-31 including a 18-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 32 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Bertanu’s players. Davis Skreivers (201-2003) fired 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Elvijs Fridenbergs (189-2005) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Five LU/BS Riga players scored in double figures. Point guard Roberts Veveris (188-2004) produced 27 points and 8 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws) and Ricards Liberts (197-2005) added 17 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. 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 LU/BS Riga. They moved-up to third place. Bertanu lost their seventh game in a row. They still close the standings with seven games lost. LU/BS Riga will meet at home BS Ogre (#7) in the next round. Bertanu will play against Riga/DSN and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
LU/BS Riga: S.Davis 19+7reb+5ast, O.Marcis 15+6reb+3ast, B.Andrejs 14+4reb+1ast, F.Elvijs 12+10reb+4ast, S.Rudolfs 11+4reb+1ast, K.Senbergs 11+5ast
Bertanu: V.Roberts 27+8reb+3ast, L.Ricards 17+5reb+1ast, B.Karlis 6+6reb, V.Matiss 4+6reb+2ast, A.Ivo 3+3reb+2ast, E.Everts 3+1reb
gschID: 1048562
Liepaja/LSSS – Kandava 64-84
Everything went according to plan when first ranked Kandava (10-1) outscored on the road 8th ranked Liepaja/LSSS (4-6) 84-64 on Saturday. Kandava forced 21 Liepaja/LSSS turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Center Arvis Savcenko (198-1991) fired 6 points, 18 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals for the winners. Guard Guntars Strakis (188-1990) chipped in 18 points and 5 assists. Four Kandava players scored in double figures. Point guard Arturs Vucins (180-2004) produced 12 points and 5 rebounds and Francois Nkoy-Eale (206-2005) added 3 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the tenth consecutive win for Kandava. They maintain first place with 10-1 record. Liepaja/LSSS lost their sixth game in a row. They keep the eighth position with six games lost. Kandava will meet at home league’s second-placed Jelgava in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Liepaja/LSSS will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Kandava: G.Strakis 18+2reb+5ast, K.Berzins 15+1reb+1ast, A.Grinbergs 11+4reb+6ast, M.Saulitis 10+9reb+2ast, A.Strakis 8+1ast, A.Dambenieks 7+2reb+1ast
Liepaja/LSSS: V.Arturs 12+5reb+3ast, S.Kristaps 9+2reb+2ast, K.Martins 9+3reb+1ast, M.Frederiks 9+3reb+1ast, R.Gustavs 8+4reb+2ast, V.Adrians 6+4reb+1ast
gschID: 1048564
Bauska – Saldus 98-79
There was a minor upset when 4th placed Saldus (6-4) were outplayed on the road by seventh ranked Bauska (6-5) 98-79 on Thursday. Bauska looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Forward Ivars Zemitis (195-1990) fired a double-double by scoring 27 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Forward Gundars Bricka (195-1989) chipped in 24 points and 5 assists. Guard Rendijs Feikners (186-1996, college: FGCU) produced 17 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and swingman Roberts Smildzejs (196-2001) added 14 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Saldus players scored in double figures. Saldus’ coach Edgars Buikis rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Bauska moved-up to fifth place. Loser Saldus keep the fourth position with four games lost. Bauska will meet Talsi (#10) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Saldus will play against Tukums (#11) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Bauska: I.Zemitis 27+11reb+3ast, G.Bricka 24+4reb+5ast, K.Steinbergs 17+10reb+1ast, R.Solzemnieks 9+5reb+1ast, T.Vilks 8+9reb+10ast, K.Kristers 6
Saldus: R.Feikners 17+6reb+6ast, K.Baumanis 16+1reb+1ast, S.Roberts 14+7reb+2ast, R.Krumins 10+5reb+3ast, J.Dumburs 7+6reb, R.Pinne 5+3reb+1ast
gschID: 1048657
Grobina – Turiba 62-114
No shocking result in a game when seventh ranked Turiba (5-5) outleveled on the road 10th ranked Grobina (2-8) 114-62 on Friday. Turiba forced 20 Grobina turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Point guard Nikolajs Zotovs (190-1998) fired a double-double by scoring 26 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Guard Gints Zomerfelds (189-2000) chipped in 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Five Turiba players scored in double figures. Turiba’s coach felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Estonian guard Kristaps Miglinieks (196-1990) produced 29 points and 9 rebounds and forward Jurgis Muskats (196-1991) added 11 points respectively for lost side. Turiba moved-up to sixth place, which they share with VeA. Grobina lost their third game in a row. Newly promoted team dropped to the ninth position with eight games lost. Turiba will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Grobina will play against Kekava (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Turiba: N.Zotovs 26+11reb+5ast, G.Zomerfelds 21+6reb+5ast, R.Stasans 15+2reb+2ast, K.Septe 13+7reb+2ast, M.Muste 13+7reb+6ast, M.Kristers 11+2reb+1ast
Grobina: K.Miglinieks 29+9reb+1ast, J.Muskats 11+4reb+3ast, S.Edijs 9+2reb+2ast, B.Kristaps 6+6reb+2ast, V.Miks 3+7reb+1ast, P.Kristofers 2+4reb+4ast
gschID: 1048663
VEF BA Valka – Riga/DSN 81-79
Rather expected game when 9th ranked Riga/DSN (2-6) was edged on the road by sixth ranked VEF BA Valka (3-4) 81-79 on Friday. VEF BA Valka dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Riga/DSN’s 34. Elvis Sukteris (197-1996) fired 21 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Ukrainian Yaroslav Pivovar (-2003) chipped in 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Four VEF BA Valka players scored in double figures. Guard Kristofers Karlsons (185-2004) produced 19 points and 7 rebounds and guard Dans Galdins (194-2004) added 17 points and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. VEF BA Valka maintains sixth place with 3-4 record. Loser Riga/DSN keeps the ninth position with six games lost. VEF BA Valka’s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Riga RSU/VEF.
Top scorers:
VEF BA Valka: E.Sukteris 21+6reb+3ast, S.Renars 20+4reb+1ast, P.Yaroslav 16+7reb+4ast, U.Illia 14+4reb+3ast, U.Varna 6+3reb+4ast, E.Kristers 2+3reb+1ast
Riga/DSN: K.Kristofers 19+7reb+3ast, K.Pauls 17+1reb, G.Dans 17+3reb+5ast, S.Edvards 9+2reb, S.Emils 7+5reb+2ast, S.Kristers 5+7reb+3ast
gschID: 1048667
Kekava – Talsi 87-80
Very predictable result when third ranked Kekava (7-3) defeated at home 10th ranked Talsi (2-9) 87-80 on Friday. Eduards Avotins (198-2001) fired 35 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds for the winners. Guard Davis Klegeris (185-1997) chipped in 19 points. Four Kekava players scored in double figures. Forward Ansis Grinbergs (193-2000) produced 32 points and guard Dinass Talents (181-2000) added 18 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists respectively for lost side. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Kekava. They maintain third place with 7-3 record having four points less than leader RSU/VEF. Loser Talsi keeps the tenth position with nine games lost. They share it with Tukums. Kekava will meet Grobina (#9) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Talsi will play against Bauska and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kekava: E.Avotins 35+8reb, D.Klegeris 19+3reb+3ast, J.Gertners 12+11reb+1ast, E.Jasuks 10+5reb, A.Dreimanis 6+3reb, D.Graveris 2+1reb
Talsi: G.Ansis 32+4reb+1ast, T.Dinass 18+7reb+7ast, V.Reinis 16+4reb, G.Buks 7+3reb+1ast, T.Tailers 3+1reb, R.Karlis 2+2reb
gschID: 1048668
RSU/VEF – Livani 92-70
The game between Top Four teams took place in Riga. First ranked host RSU/VEF (9-1) smashed 4th placed Livani (4-5) 92-70. RSU/VEF looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Point guard Nils Baumeisters (196-2003) fired 30 points (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) for the winners. Rihards Ginters (192-1993) chipped in 25 points and 6 rebounds. RSU/VEF’s coach Kristaps Zeids felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Guard Rihards Strauts (199-1991) produced a double-double by scoring 24 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals (made all of his seven free throws) and center Davids Ozolins (205-1998) added 12 points and 13 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Livani players scored in double figures. The victory was the third consecutive win for RSU/VEF. They maintain first place with 9-1 record. Livani lost their third game in a row. They keep the fourth position with five games lost. RSU/VEF’s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Riga to the arena VEF BA Valka.
Top scorers:
RSU/VEF: B.Nils 30+2reb+3ast, R.Ginters 25+6reb+3ast, I.Gromovs 15+11reb+1ast, R.Ozolins 7+1reb+3ast, D.Matiss Zilde 3+4reb+1ast, A.Putans 2+4reb+8ast
Livani: R.Strauts 24+10reb+4ast, M.Malnieks 15+3reb+1ast, R.Pabrieza 14+1reb+4ast, D.Ozolins 12+13reb+1ast, E.Leja 3+3reb+3ast, K.Ivo 2+2reb
gschID: 1048672
Jelgava – VeA 107-66
Not a big story in a game when 7th ranked VeA (5-5) was rolled over on the road by second ranked Jelgava (8-2) 107-66 on Friday. Jelgava dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to VeA’s 28. They outrebounded VeA 53-28 including a 41-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Jelgava looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by VeA’s players. Forward Armands Senkans (200-1990) fired a double-double by scoring 29 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Swingman Edgars Krumins (196-1986) chipped in a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Janis Zemels (175-1991) produced 15 points and forward Roberts Prusis (195-1998) added 12 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who 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. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Jelgava. They maintain second place with 8-2 record having just three points less than leader RSU/VEF. VeA lost their fourth game in a row. They dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. They share it with Turiba. Jelgava will meet Tukums (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. VeA will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Jelgava: A.Senkans 29+11reb+2ast, E.Krumins 21+11reb+3ast, U.Feldmanis 13+3ast, J.Berzins 11+2reb+2ast, A.Ginters 10+7reb+3ast, K.Plavnieks 10+1reb+3ast
VeA: J.Zemels 15+2reb+3ast, R.Prusis 12+5reb+2ast, M.Matiss 12+2reb, C.Janis 10+1reb+2ast, A.Stankevics 6+10reb+2ast, G.Salvis 5+1ast
gschID: 1052045
VeA – Bauska 115-108
There was a small surprise in Ventspils where seventh ranked VeA (5-5) beat their close opponent Bauska (6-5) 115-108 on Thursday. VeA had a 18-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Guard Janis Censonis (185-2005) fired 36 points (!!!) for the winners. Forward Agris Stankevics (195-2000) chipped in 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. VeA’s coach used an eleven-player rotation saving starting five for next games. Forward Ivars Zemitis (195-1990) produced a double-double by scoring 31 points and 11 rebounds and forward Janis Eiduks (200-1993) added 25 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. VeA moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Turiba. Loser Bauska dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. VeA will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Bauska will play against Talsi (#10) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
VeA: C.Janis 36+4reb+2ast, A.Stankevics 24+8reb+4ast, S.Toms 11+9reb+3ast, R.Prusis 10+2reb+3ast, J.Zemels 10+2reb+10ast, D.Rudis 8+8reb+1ast
Bauska: I.Zemitis 31+11reb+3ast, G.Bricka 26+1reb+1ast, J.Eiduks 25+6reb+1ast, R.Solzemnieks 14+6reb+2ast, J.Vilcans 7+3reb+1ast, A.Simsons 2+1reb
gschID: 1053539
Limbazi – Gulbenes Buki 66-101
There was no surprise when 4th placed Limbazi (3-3) was outplayed at home by leader Gulbenes Buki (7-0) 101-66 on Friday. Gulbenes Buki forced 20 Limbazi turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Limbazi’s players. Arturs Strelnieks (195-1985) fired a double-double by scoring 26 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Guard Ervins Ivanovs (187-1996) chipped in 19 points and 5 assists. Forward Peteris Penka (200-1991) produced a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds and guard Roberts Ikaunieks (195-1997) added 10 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Gulbenes Buki and four Limbazi players scored in double figures. The victory was the seventh consecutive win for Gulbenes Buki. They maintain second place with 7-0 record having seven points less than leader RSU/VEF. Limbazi lost their third game in a row. They dropped to the fifth position with three games lost. Gulbenes Buki will meet Livani (#4) on the road in the next round. Limbazi will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Gulbenes Buki: A.Strelnieks 26+10reb+2ast, J.Engers 19+3reb+3ast, E.Ivanovs 19+4reb+5ast, L.Rainers 17+5reb+5ast, N.Rikveilis 10+2ast, J.Antrops 10+6reb+5ast
Limbazi: P.Penka 15+12reb+2ast, T.Upe 13+5reb+1ast, R.Ikaunieks 10+6reb+3ast, M.Reds 10+4reb, E.Barbejs 9+3reb+3ast, J.Blodons 7+3reb+1ast
gschID: 1053729
RTU – Bertanu 86-71
No shocking result in a game in Riga where seventh ranked RTU (2-4) won against bottom-ranked Bertanu (0-7) 86-71 on Friday. RTU looked well-organized offensively handing out 33 assists comparing to just 17 passes made by Bertanu’s players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when RTU made 7 blocks. Jurgis Engers (193-2001) fired 15 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Forward Roberts Kartenko (200-1999) chipped in 21 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Four RTU players scored in double figures. Point guard Roberts Veveris (188-2004) produced 23 points and 6 assists and forward Karlis Baskis (200-2004) added 13 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Bertanu’s coach Ilze Adamsone rotated eleven players saving starting five for next games. Despite that victory RTU went down to eighth position due to points difference. Bertanu lost their seventh game in a row. They still close the standings with seven games lost. RTU will meet higher ranked BS Ogre (#7) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Bertanu will play against Riga/DSN and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
RTU: R.Kartenko 21+4reb+2ast, E.Jurgis 15+6reb+7ast, C.Raimonds 11+4reb+4ast, Z.Martins 10+6reb+7ast, P.Janis 8+4reb+4ast, N.Svens 6+1reb+3ast
Bertanu: V.Roberts 23+3reb+6ast, B.Karlis 13+7reb+1ast, L.Ricards 10+8reb, Z.Markuss 8+6reb+3ast, Z.Ricards 8+3reb, L.Edvarts 3+1reb+3ast
gschID: 1053730
Kandava – Kekava 95-89
Rather expected game when 3rd placed Kekava (7-3) was defeated on the road by first ranked Kandava (10-1) 95-89 on Friday. Kandava dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Kekava’s 30. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Kekava’s players. Center Arvis Savcenko (198-1991) fired 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Center Marcis Saulitis (209-1997) chipped in 22 points and 6 rebounds. Kandava’s coach Edgars Priede used a ten-player rotation saving starting five for next games. Guard Davis Klegeris (185-1997) produced 34 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 6 assists and Eduards Avotins (198-2001) added 22 points and 11 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The victory was the tenth consecutive win for Kandava. They maintain first place with 10-1 record. Loser Kekava keeps the third position with three games lost. Kandava will meet at home league’s second-placed Jelgava in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kekava will play against Grobina and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kandava: M.Saulitis 22+6reb+2ast, A.Savcenko 19+8reb+5ast, A.Grinbergs 11+4reb+5ast, A.Strakis 11+4reb+1ast, G.Strakis 9+8reb+2ast, K.Berzins 8+5ast
Kekava: D.Klegeris 34+5reb+6ast, E.Avotins 22+11reb+2ast, E.Miculis 16+3reb+1ast, E.Stelmahers 12+5reb+2ast, J.Gertners 5+4reb, V.Martins 0+1reb
gschID: 1053731
Saldus – Liepaja/LSSS 76-80
There was a surprise result when eighth ranked Liepaja/LSSS (4-6) defeated on the road 4th placed Saldus (6-4) 80-76 on Friday. Kristaps Soldatenoks (192-2005) fired 20 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Point guard Arturs Vucins (180-2004) chipped in 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Rendijs Feikners (186-1996, college: FGCU) produced 24 points and 6 assists and forward Janis Dumburs (202-1996) added 16 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Liepaja/LSSS and four Saldus players scored in double figures. Liepaja/LSSS maintains eighth place with 4-6 record. Loser Saldus keep the fourth position with four games lost. Liepaja/LSSS will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Saldus will play against Tukums (#11) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Liepaja/LSSS: S.Kristaps 20+5reb+2ast, C.Raivo 16+5reb+1ast, V.Arturs 14+5reb+4ast, B.Edzus 11+2reb+1ast, M.Frederiks 10+5reb+4ast, V.Adrians 7+4reb+1ast
Saldus: R.Feikners 24+3reb+6ast, J.Dumburs 16+9reb+2ast, R.Krumins 13+4reb+1ast, K.Baumanis 11+7reb, R.Smidrins 5+3reb, R.Pinne 4+5reb+1ast
gschID: 1053732
Talsi – Grobina 82-79
There was a minor upset when their close opponent Grobina (2-8) was edged on the road by tenth ranked Talsi (2-9) 82-79 on Friday. Talsi forced 23 Grobina turnovers. Guard Dinass Talents (181-2000) fired 29 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Power forward Martins Kirsakmens (198-1981) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds. Estonian guard Kristaps Miglinieks (196-1990) produced 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals and forward Janis Kudis (195-1997) added 20 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. Talsi maintains tenth place with 2-9 record, which they share with Tukums. Grobina lost their third game in a row. Newly promoted team dropped to the ninth position with eight games lost. Talsi will meet at home higher ranked Bauska (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Grobina will play against Kekava (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Talsi: T.Dinass 29+9reb+7ast, M.Kirsakmens 15+10reb+1ast, G.Ansis 13+4reb+3ast, M.Niks 6+3reb, R.Rozentals 6+9reb+4ast, G.Buks 5+4reb
Grobina: K.Miglinieks 22+7reb+4ast, J.Kudis 20+9reb+2ast, G.Jagmins 17+4reb+1ast, V.Miks 5+1reb+1ast, B.Kristaps 5+11reb+3ast, R.Kabineckis 5+3reb+2ast
gschID: 1053733
Tags : ARTURS STRELNIEKS, GULBENES BUKI BJSS RIGA, LATVIAN BASKETBALL
