Latvia – LBL Round 3: Ventspils keep a leadership position

AndrejsGrazulis There were just three rounds played in Regular Season of LBL and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. Ventspils smashed Barons Riga at home 95-74. The game was mostly controlled by Ventspils. Barons Riga managed to win third quarter 21-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Ventspils looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was a good game for center Andrejs Grazulis (202-93) who led his team to a victory with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Rihards Kuksiks (197-88, college: Arizona St., agency: HMS) contributed with 18 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) for the winners. Guard Kristaps Dargais (198-90) answered with 9 points and 7 assists for Barons Riga. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Barons Riga will play next round against strong BK Ogre trying to get back on the winning streak. Ventspils will try to continue on its current victory against Valka/Valga on the road. Jurmala (2-1) recorded a loss at the home court. Hosts were defeated by BK Ogre (2-1) 88-77. It was a great evening for naturalized Italian forward Gints Antrops (201-82, agency: Interperformances) who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points and 5 assists. Roberts Niedra helped adding 14 points and 5 assists. The best for the losing side was point guard Edgars Jeromanovs (186-86) with 13 points and 6 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. BK Ogre will play against Barons Riga (#7) on the road in the next round. Jurmala will play against VEF Riga (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game between Jekabpils (1-2) and Liepaja/Triobet (0-3) in Jekabpils on Wednesday ended with biggest points difference. Jekabpils outscored guests from Liepaja 86-64. It was a quality performance for Andrejs Selakovs who led the winners and scored 17 points and 8 rebounds. Lateef McMullan came up with 18 points and 8 rebounds for Liepaja/Triobet in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Jekabpils will meet at home Jurmala (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Liepaja/Triobet will play against Ventspils (#1) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game …

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