Latvia – LBL Round 15: Jurmala lose to Jekabpils

JurijsAleksejevs The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute susprises and upsets. The game between third ranked Jurmala (8-7) and sixth ranked Jekabpils (6-6) was the most important one in the last round on Saturday night. Jurmala was crushed by Jekabpils in Jurmala 67-90. The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 4-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 90-67. Jekabpils looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was a good game for the former international center Jurijs Aleksejevs (202-85) who led his team to a victory with 22 points and 9 rebounds. The former international point guard Rinalds Sirsnins (186-85) contributed with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Arturs Strelnieks (196-85) answered with 8 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for Jurmala. Jurmala’s coach Arnis Vecvagars gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Jekabpils moved-up to fifth place. Jurmala at the other side keeps the third position with seven games lost. Jekabpils are looking forward to face league’s leader Ventspils at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Jurmala will have a break next round. The game between 10th ranked Latvijas Universitate (2-12) and leader VEF Riga (8-0) in Riga ended with biggest points difference. Guests from Riga outscored Latvijas Universitate 88-42. Worth to mention a quality performance of American guard Abdul Gaddy (190-92, college: Washington) who helped to win the game recording 8 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Eduards Hazners helped adding 14 points and 6 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Roberts Krumins (187-93) with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Latvijas Universitate’s coach already knew that his team would not have a big chance, so allowed to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Undefeated VEF Riga have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. They moved-up to second place. Latvijas Universitate lost third consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 12 games lost. VEF Riga will play against BK Ogre (#8) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Latvijas Universitate’s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Riga to the arena Barons Riga. There were no big surprises in other games of round 15: Liepaja/Triobet smashed Valka/Valga on the road 93-58. Barons Riga lost to Liepaja/Triobet on its own court 74-83. BK Ogre unfortunately lost to Valmiera in a road game 78-94. Valka/Valga – Liepaja/Triobet 58-93No shocking result in a game when seventh ranked Liepaja/Triobet (6-8) crushed on the road 9th ranked Valka/Valga (3-6) 93-58. The game without a history. Liepaja/Triobet led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Liepaja/Triobet outrebounded Valka/Valga 45-33 including 35 on the defensive glass. Valka/Valga was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for American guard Malcolm Griffin (193-91, college: Fresno Pacific, agency: Promotex) who led his team to a victory scoring 26 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. Center Davis Rozitis (215-90, college: Hawaii) helped adding 14 points and 11 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Rozitis is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Liepaja/Triobet players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Estonian center Rain Raadik (208-89) with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds and guard Sandis Silavs (194-88) scored 12 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Liepaja/Triobet maintains seventh place with 6-8 record. Valka/Valga at the other side keeps the ninth position with six games lost. Liepaja/Triobet will play against higher ranked Valmiera (#4) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. …

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