Latvia – LBL Round 12: Bottom-ranked Latvijas Universitate wins against Jekabpils

HarijsRubenis Coincidentally all hosts won their games. Bottom-ranked Latvijas Universitate managed to get a second victory, breaking the five-game losing streak on Sunday night. This time they won against fourth-ranked Jekabpils in Riga 78-71. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 27-20. But Jekabpils won second period 21-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening, at least not yet. The game turned upside-down in the last quarter, where Jekabpils used huge pressure winning it 13-11 getting a tie at the end of regular time. They lost eventually overtime period 3-10. Latvijas Universitate made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. It was a good game for forward Harijs Rubenis (201-91) who led his team to a victory with 15 points and 6 rebounds. point guard Renars Birkans (184-97) contributed with 12 points and 4 assists for the winners. Roberts Stumbris (199-93) replied with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 16 rebounds for Jekabpils. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Latvijas Universitate maintains tenth position with 2-9 record. Jekabpils at the other side keep the fourth place with five games lost. Latvijas Universitate are looking forward to face league’s second-placed Jurmala on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Jekabpils will play against Barons Riga and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game between eighth ranked Liepaja/Triobet (4-7) and 10th ranked Latvijas Universitate (2-9) in Liepaja ended with biggest points difference. Liepaja/Triobet beat guests from Riga 81-70. Worth to mention a quality performance of power forward Artjoms Butjankovs (205-91) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and Lateef McMullan who added 21 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was forward Linards Jaunzems (198-95) with 22 points. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Liepaja/Triobet moved-up to seventh place. Latvijas Universitate lost fifth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with nine games lost. Liepaja/Triobet will play against BK Ogre (#9) on the road in the next round. Latvijas Universitate will play against the league’s second-placed Jurmala where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either. In the last game of round 12 Valmiera lost to undefeated VEF Riga on the road 60-68. LU – Jekabpils 78-71 OTBottom-ranked Latvijas Universitate managed to get a second victory, breaking the five-game losing streak on Sunday night. This time they won against fourth-ranked Jekabpils in Riga 78-71. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 27-20. But …

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