Baltic League – Round 11: Barons Riga keeps a leadership position

Davis Geks The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Latvian Barons Riga as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Barons Riga defeated bottom-ranked Kazakhstan Barsy Atyrau at home 101-94. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Barsy Atyrau won third quarter 23-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Barons Riga made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 58.3 percentage. Barons Riga looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. 24 personal fouls committed by Barsy Atyrau helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Davis Geks (192-95) who scored 23 points and 4 assists. Lithuanian forward Denis Krestinin (202-94, agency: BeoBasket) chipped in 18 points and 10 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). American point guard Trevin Parks (180-91, college: Johnson C. Smith) produced 28 points and 6 assists for the guests. Barons Riga have a solid series of four victories in a row. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Valmiera. Defending Kazakhstan champion Barsy Atyrau still closes the standings with six games lost. Barsy Atyrau will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. Barons Riga will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Parnu at home. Bottom-ranked Kazakhstan Barsy Atyrau (0-6) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 96-63 loss to fifth ranked Latvian Jurmala (4-5) in Jurmala. Point guard Edgars Jeromanovs (186-86) orchestrated the victory by scoring 18 points and 7 assists. Ugis Pinete contributed with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. American point guard Trevin Parks (180-91, college: Johnson C. Smith) answered with 26 points for Barsy Atyrau. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Jurmala maintains fifth place with 4-5 record. Defending Kazakhstan champion Barsy Atyrau still closes the standings with six games lost. Jurmala will play against league’s second-placed Rapla at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Barsy Atyrau will have a break next round. Other games of round 11 were very predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are: Parnu was crushed by Nevezis in Kedainiai 96-73. Jekabpils lost to Latvian defending champion Valmiera at home 55-77. BK Ogre lost to P.Zvaigzdes on the opponent’s court 91-102. Nevezis – Parnu 96-73There was no surprise in Kedainiai where 6th ranked Estonian Parnu (2-7) was crushed by third ranked Lithuanian Nevezis (6-3) 96-73. The game without a history. Nevezis led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists. Center Karolis Petrukonis (212-87, college: Clemson) orchestrated the victory by scoring 25 points and 9 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). Ignas Vaitkus (196-93, agency: Octagon Europe) contributed with 12 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Nevezis’ coach felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Lithuanian forward Vaidotas Volkus (203-85, college: Redlands CC) answered with 36 points (!!!), 9 rebounds and 4 assists and Lithuanian swingman Edvinas Seskus (196-95, agency: Players Group) added 8 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in the effort for Parnu. Nevezis maintains third place with 6-3 record behind leader Barons Riga. Parnu at the other side keeps the sixth position with seven games lost. They share it with Tarvas. Nevezis will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Parnu will play on the road against the league’s leader Barons Riga (#1) and hopes to get back on the winning track. Top scorers:Nevezis: K.Petrukonis 25+9reb+1ast, P.Petrilevicius 14+4reb+2ast, I.Vaitkus …

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