Baltic League – Round 8: Rapla lose to Nevezis

IgnasVaitkus There were many interesting games last round. The round ended with change at the leadership position, extra overtimes and games ending by tiny margin.The biggest surprise took place in Kedainiai where host Lithuanian Nevezis (4-2) crushed league’s leader Estonian Rapla (4-2) 92-72 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Rapla. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The game was mostly controlled by Nevezis. Rapla managed to win third quarter 17-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Rapla 39-22 including a 18-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. Nevezis looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was Ignas Vaitkus (196-93, agency: Octagon Europe) who scored 27 points. Serbian forward Ivan Smiljanic (199-89, agency: Octagon Europe) chipped in 15 points and 9 rebounds. Nevezis’ coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Slovenian point guard Domen Bratoz (189-93, agency: Two Points) produced 23 points and 7 assists for the guests. Nevezis have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Rapla. Rapla will play next round against Parnu trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Nevezis will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Barsy Atyrau at home. The best stats of 8th round was 30 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists by Arturs Ausejs of Liepaja/Triobet.Liepaja/Triobet – Barons Riga 106-111Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both third ranked Barons Riga and one of their biggest challengers Liepaja/Triobet had identical 3-2 record. But Liepaja/Triobet was not able to use a home court advantage and was defeated by the opponent from Riga 111-106 on Wednesday night. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The guests trailed by 7 points after three quarters before their 22-15 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Barons Riga made 36-of-46 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. They also forced 26 Liepaja/Triobet turnovers. Strangely Liepaja/Triobet outrebounded Barons Riga 54-40 including 39 on the defensive glass. Liepaja/Triobet was plagued by 35 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was American guard Tyler Larson (190-91, college: S.Dakota) who scored 31 points and 8 rebounds. Lithuanian forward Denis Krestinin (202-94, agency: BeoBasket) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds. Center Davis Rozitis (215-90, college: Hawaii) produced a double-double by scoring 22 points and 18 rebounds and guard Arturs Ausejs (192-90) added 30 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the hosts. Four Barons Riga and five Liepaja/Triobet players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Barons Riga (4-2) keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams. Liepaja/Triobet at the other side keeps the fourth place with three games lost. Barons Riga will face Jurmala (#5) at home in the next round. Liepaja/Triobet will play against Barsy …

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