Baltic League – Round 10: Rapla rally past Barsy Atyrau

IndrekKajupank The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Estonian Rapla as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Rapla smashed bottom-ranked Kazakhstan Barsy Atyrau at home 87-61. The game without a history. Rapla led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 20-of-24 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. Rapla outrebounded Barsy Atyrau 48-35 including a 34-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Forward Indrek Kajupank (200-88) had a double-double by scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Dutch center Thomas van der Mars (208-90, college: Portland) chipped in 14 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American point guard Trevin Parks (180-91, college: Johnson C. Smith) responded with 26 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Valmiera and Barons Riga. Defending Kazakhstan champion Barsy Atyrau still closes the standings with four games lost. Barsy Atyrau will play next round against strong Barons Riga trying to get back on the winning streak. Rapla will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. In the last two games of round 10 winless Barsy Atyrau lost to Parnu on the opponent’s court 73-78. Tarvas lost to Latvian defending champion Valmiera in a home game 74-105. BK Ogre recorded a loss to Jekabpils on the road 71-76. Barons Riga defeated Nevezis on its own court 77-68. Winless COR-Borisfen were smashed by BK Ogre in a road game 75-45. The most impressive stats of the last round was 19 points by Edvinas Seskus of Parnu.Parnu – Barsy Atyrau 78-73The game between closely ranked teams ended with bottom-ranked Kazakhstan Barsy Atyrau’s (0-4) road loss to sixth ranked Estonian Parnu (2-6) 73-78 on Thursday. The hosts trailed by 5 points at the halftime before their 43-33 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Barsy Atyrau was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. Lithuanian swingman Edvinas Seskus (196-95) scored 19 points to lead the charge for the winners and Lithuanian forward Vaidotas Volkus (203-85, college: Redlands CC) chipped in 17 points during the contest. Four Parnu players scored in double figures. At the losing side American point guard Trevin Parks (180-91, college: Johnson C. Smith) responded with 20 points and power forward Mikhail Yevstigneyev (201-84) scored 17 points and 6 rebounds. Parnu maintains sixth position with 2-6 record. Defending Kazakhstan champion Barsy Atyrau still closes the standings with four games lost. Parnu will face higher ranked Nevezis (#3) in Kedainiai in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Barsy Atyrau will play on the road against the league’s second-placed Barons Riga (#2) and hopes to get finally their first victory.Top scorers:Parnu: E.Seskus 19+4reb+3ast, V.Volkus 17+4reb+2ast, N.Kabin 14+2ast, S.Sutt 13+3reb+1ast, R.Hallik 10+6reb+4ast, M.Kirves 4+10reb+4astBarsy Atyrau: T.Parks 20+4reb+1ast, M.Yevstigneyev 17+6reb, A.Johnson 14+2reb+1ast, P.Ilin 9+8reb+2ast, V.Matyukevych 7+6reb, N.Bazhkin 4+3reb+1astgschID: 495334Tarvas – Valmiera 74-105Rather predictable result when tenth ranked Latvian Valmiera (6-2) smashed on the road 13th ranked Estonian BC Rakvere (2-7) 105-74 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Valmiera. BC Rakvere was better in fourth quarter 24-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 17-of-19 free shots (89.5 percent) during the game. Valmiera outrebounded BC Rakvere 39-26 including a 28-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Center Lauris Blaus (208-90) scored 15 points and 6 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Arturs Berzins (204-88) chipped in 17 points during the contest. Five Valmiera players scored in double figures. At the losing side point guard Siim-Markus Post (183-97) responded with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists (made all of his seven free throws) and Timo Eichfuss (200-88) …

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