Latvia – LBL Round 5: Valmiera is upset by Barons Riga

TaurasJogela Coincidentally all hosts won their games. The game between third ranked Valmiera (2-2) and fourth ranked Barons Riga (3-2) was the most important one in the last round on Sunday night. Valmiera was crushed by Barons Riga in Riga 104-71. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Valmiera. The game was mostly controlled by Barons Riga. Valmiera managed to win second period 27-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 22-of-29 free shots (75.9 percent) during the game. Barons Riga shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 63.2 percentage. The best player for the winners was Lithuania Tauras Jogela (202-93, agency: Players Group) who scored 18 points and 7 rebounds. Guard Reinis Strupovics (190-87) chipped in 23 points. Barons Riga’s coach Martins Gulbis felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Ervins Jonats (203-91) produced 11 points and 8 rebounds for the guests. Barons Riga moved-up to third place. Defending champion Valmiera dropped to the fourth position with two games lost. They share it with Jekabpils. Barons Riga are looking forward to face Liepaja/Triobet (#9) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Valmiera will play against the league’s leader Ventspils (#1) and is hoping to win this game. Liepaja/Triobet can celebrate their first win this season after four consecutive loses. They used home court advantage to defeat BK Ogre (2-3) 86-74. Guard Arturs Ausejs (190-90) orchestrated the victory by scoring 25 points and 4 assists. Davis Rozitis contributed with 17 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. point guard Kristaps Plavnieks (183-95) answered with 13 points and 8 assists for BK Ogre. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Liepaja/Triobet (1-4) left bottom position moving up to ninth place. BK Ogre at the other side keeps the sixth position with three games lost. Liepaja/Triobet will play against higher ranked Barons Riga (#3) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. BK Ogre will play against Jurmala and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Undefeated leader Ventspils delivered the sixth consecutive victory on Saturday night. This time they crushed 7th ranked Jurmala (2-4) 94-73. Andrejs Grazulis stepped up and scored 15 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Viktors Iljins responded with 19 points and 6 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. Undefeated Ventspils (6-0) have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain first place with a perfect record of 6 victories in a row. Jurmala lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with four games lost. Ventspils will meet …

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