Round 14 (Regular Season): Spars keep a leadership position

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Latvian Spars as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Spars smashed 11th ranked Estonian Keila KK in Ventspils 98-71. The game was mostly controlled by Spars. Keila KK managed to win third quarter 22-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Spars dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Keila KK's 30. Spars forced 22 Keila KK turnovers and outrebounded them 44-33 including 29 on the defensive glass. Spars looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Keila KK's players. Davis Ozers (193-2004) had a triple-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Latvian Rudis Donis (200-2006) chipped in 24 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Guard Kermo Sepik (189-2006) responded with 20 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Spars (7-1) have an impressive seven-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with London Drive. Keila KK lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with four games lost. Keila KK will play next round against strong London Drive trying to get back on the winning streak. Spars will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Tallinn at home.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Palanga. Bottom-ranked Lithuanian host Palangos were smashed by second ranked British London Drive (7-1) 99-79. Forward Nantti Ruuhilahti (194-2007) notched 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and Georgios Vassilakis supported him with 21 points and 9 rebounds. London Drive's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even a double-double of 41 points (!!!) and 22 rebounds by guard Gintaras Beniusis (190-2004) did not help to save the game for Palangos. London Drive have an impressive six-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Spars. Palangos at the other side still closes the standings with 0 game lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. London Drive will play against Keila KK (#11) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Palangos will play against Bracknell (#35) and hope to get finally their first victory.
Fourth ranked Estonian Tallinn (5-3) crushed at home 25th ranked Polish Lublinianka (3-5) by 39 points 98-59, which is the biggest margin this round on Thursday night. The best player for the winners was Roger Hermet who scored 32 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Kostya Andreyev produced 10 points and 8 rebounds for the guests. Tallinn have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 5-3 record. Loser Lublinianka dropped to the nineteenth place with five games lost. Tallinn will meet league's leader Spars in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Lublinianka will play against Palangos in Palanga and hope to secure a win.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 14: Lublinianka won against RIG Haga on the opponent's court 71-67. Tallinn outscored Bracknell in a home game 114-77. RIG Haga was rolled over Spars on the road 81-56. Lublinianka was defeated by Birzai on its own court 78-85.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 18 points and 17 rebounds by Toms Salnajs of Spars.



Tallinn - Lublinianka 98-59

Fourth ranked Estonian Tallinn (5-3) crushed at home 25th ranked Polish Lublinianka (3-5) by 39 points 98-59, which is the biggest margin this round on Thursday night. The game was mostly controlled by Tallinn. Lublinianka managed to win third quarter 23-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Tallinn dominated on the defensive end, holding Lublinianka to just 7 points in fourth quarter. They outrebounded Lublinianka 45-34 including a 40-23 advantage in defensive rebounds. Tallinn looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 15 passes made by Lublinianka's players. The best player for the winners was guard Roger Hermet (185-2007) who scored 32 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Swingman Stenver Poder (192-2008) chipped in 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Belarusian Kostya Andreyev (-2004) produced 10 points and 8 rebounds and point guard Wiktor Karasinski (175-2005) added 13 points respectively for the guests. Tallinn have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 5-3 record. Loser Lublinianka dropped to the nineteenth place with five games lost. Tallinn will meet league's leader Spars in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Lublinianka will play against Palangos in Palanga and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Lublinianka: K.Wiktor 13+3reb+2ast, A.Kostya 10+8reb+2ast, G.Piotr 10+5reb+2ast, S.Maksymilian 9+4reb+4ast, F.Antoni 8+2reb, B.Nikita 7+4reb+3ast
Tallinn: H.Roger 32+7reb+5ast, P.Thor-Andreas 19+6reb+1ast, P.Stenver 17+7reb+4ast, L.Taevon 8+9reb+4ast, K.Daniil 7+5reb, P.Joosep 7+4reb+6ast

RIG Haga - Lublinianka 67-71

Everything could happen in Norrkoping at the game between two tied teams. Both twenty fifth ranked Polish Lublinianka and 26th ranked Swedish RIG Haga had identical 2-5 record. But RIG Haga was not able to use a home court advantage and was defeated by the opponent from Lublin 71-67 on Friday night. The guests trailed by 7 points after three quarters before their 20-9 charge, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was point guard Wiktor Karasinski (175-2005) who scored 20 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Belarusian Kostya Andreyev (-2004) chipped in 16 points and 7 rebounds. Alfred Sahlberg produced 23 points and 6 rebounds and Albin Gahns (-2005) added 12 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Lublinianka (3-5) moved-up to nineteenth place. Loser RIG Haga keeps the twenty sixth position with six games lost. Lublinianka will meet higher ranked Palangos in the next round. RIG Haga will play against Birzai (#3) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
RIG Haga: S.Alfred 23+6reb+2ast, G.Albin 12+9reb, W.Per 8+2reb+1ast, M.Julian 7+3reb+9ast, J.Alem 4+7reb+1ast, B.Axel 4+4reb
Lublinianka: K.Wiktor 20+8reb+5ast, A.Kostya 16+7reb+3ast, B.Mateusz 12+10reb+2ast, G.Piotr 8+7reb+2ast, K.Mateusz 7+4reb, S.Maksymilian 6+4reb+1ast

Spars - Keila KK 98-71

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Latvian Spars as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Spars smashed 11th ranked Estonian Keila KK in Ventspils 98-71. The game was mostly controlled by Spars. Keila KK managed to win third quarter 22-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Spars dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Keila KK's 30. Spars forced 22 Keila KK turnovers and outrebounded them 44-33 including 29 on the defensive glass. Spars looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Keila KK's players. Davis Ozers (193-2004) had a triple-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Latvian Rudis Donis (200-2006) chipped in 24 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Four Spars players scored in double figures. Guard Kermo Sepik (189-2006) responded with 20 points and guard Rasmus Hulkko (185-2005) scored 18 points and 6 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Spars (7-1) have an impressive seven-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with London Drive. Keila KK lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with four games lost. Keila KK will play next round against strong London Drive trying to get back on the winning streak. Spars will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Tallinn at home.
Top scorers:
Keila KK: S.Kermo 20+3reb+2ast, H.Rasmus 18+6reb, M.Marten 11+6reb+2ast, P.Enrico 8+1reb, L.Karl 4+6reb+2ast, L.Cristofer 4+1reb
Spars: D.Rudis 24+8reb+3ast, O.Davis 15+11reb+11ast, S.Toms 12+12reb+3ast, B.Ricards 10+1reb+3ast, P.Krisjanis 8+2reb+2ast, G.Salvis 8+2reb+2ast

Tallinn - Bracknell 114-77

Very predictable result when fourth ranked Estonian Tallinn (5-3) smashed at home 45th ranked British Bracknell (1-7) 114-77 on Friday. The game without a history. Tallinn led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Tallinn forced 21 Bracknell turnovers and outrebounded them 41-30 including 30 on the defensive glass. Tallinn looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists comparing to just 14 passes made by Bracknell's players. The best player for the winners was Spanish guard Taevon Lewis (185-2003) who scored 31 points and 8 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). Swingman Stenver Poder (192-2008) chipped in 25 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Four Tallinn players scored in double figures. Toby Holmes produced 22 points and 6 assists and Josh Ncube added 15 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the guests. Bracknell's coach gave up on the game allowing to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Tallinn have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 5-3 record. Bracknell lost seventh consecutive game. They dropped to the 35th place with seven games lost. Tallinn will meet league's leader Spars in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Bracknell will play against Palangos in Palanga and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Bracknell: H.Toby 22+4reb+6ast, B.Louis 16+3reb+1ast, N.Josh 15+10reb, B.Stefano 7+3reb, F.Sam 6+1ast, M.Noah 5+1reb+2ast
Tallinn: L.Taevon 31+8reb+3ast, P.Stenver 25+7reb+6ast, H.Roger 21+10reb+6ast, K.Kermo 10+3reb+3ast, P.Joosep 10+1reb+1ast, S.Holger 6+3reb+7ast

Palangos - London Drive 79-99

The game between Top Four teams took place in Palanga. Bottom-ranked Lithuanian host Palangos were smashed by second ranked British London Drive (7-1) 99-79. The game was mostly controlled by London Drive. Palangos was better in second period 18-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. London Drive forced 26 Palangos turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 32 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Palangos' players. Forward Nantti Ruuhilahti (194-2007) notched 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and Greek-Finnish forward Georgios Vassilakis (202-2004) supported him with 21 points and 9 rebounds. London Drive's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even a double-double of 41 points (!!!) and 22 rebounds by guard Gintaras Beniusis (190-2004) did not help to save the game for Palangos. Forward Tadas Razgus (-2006) added 15 points and 6 rebounds for the hosts. London Drive have an impressive six-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Spars. Palangos at the other side still closes the standings with 0 game lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. London Drive will play against Keila KK (#11) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Palangos will play against Bracknell (#35) and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Palangos: B.Gintaras 41+22reb+2ast, R.Tadas 15+6reb+3ast, Z.Faustas 8+5reb+4ast, V.Tautvydas 6+8reb+5ast, V.Dominykas 5+6reb+2ast, P.Julius 4+2reb
London Drive: R.Nantti 24+5reb+5ast, V.Georgios 21+9reb+2ast, E.Aaron 11+8reb+8ast, M.Patrick 10+1reb, A.Tom 9+3reb+9ast, M.Aldrian 8+1reb+3ast

Spars - RIG Haga 81-56

Not a big story in a game in Ventspils where 26th ranked Swedish RIG Haga (2-6) was rolled over by second ranked Latvian Spars (7-1) 81-56 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by Spars. RIG Haga managed to win second period 21-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Spars forced 20 RIG Haga turnovers and outrebounded them 49-34 including a 18-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was Toms Salnajs (200-2005) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 17 rebounds. Davis Ozers (193-2004) chipped in 17 points and 8 rebounds. Julian Mollerstrom produced 15 points and Alvin Gough added 8 points respectively for the guests. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Spars have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with London Drive. Loser RIG Haga keeps the twenty sixth place with six games lost. Spars will meet at home Tallinn (#4) in the next round. RIG Haga will play against Birzai (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
RIG Haga: M.Julian 15+4reb+3ast, S.Alfred 11+1reb, G.Alvin 8+4reb+1ast, J.Alem 7+4reb, W.Per 6+3reb+2ast, F.Edvin 5+3reb
Spars: S.Toms 18+17reb+1ast, O.Davis 17+8reb+2ast, P.Krisjanis 12+3reb+1ast, G.Salvis 8+3reb+2ast, P.Gatis 5+3reb+2ast, D.Rudis 5+4reb+1ast

Lublinianka - Birzai 78-85

Everything went according to plan when third ranked Lithuanian Birzai (6-2) beat on the road 25th ranked Polish Lublinianka (3-5) 85-78 on Friday. The guests trailed by 11 points after first quarter, but they rallied back and won the game by 7 points. Birzai forced 20 Lublinianka turnovers. The best player for the winners was guard Dovydas Kacinskas (188-2005) who had a double-double by scoring 29 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. Point guard Nojus Petraitis (178-2005) chipped in 27 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals. Point guard Wiktor Karasinski (175-2005) produced a double-double by scoring 25 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists and Belarusian Kostya Andreyev (-2004) added 25 points and 11 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Lublinianka's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Birzai maintains third position with 6-2 record having just seven point less than leader Spars. Loser Lublinianka dropped to the nineteenth place with five games lost. Birzai will meet at home RIG Haga (#26) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Lublinianka will play against Palangos in Palanga and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Lublinianka: A.Kostya 25+11reb+3ast, K.Wiktor 25+14reb+6ast, G.Piotr 8+5reb+2ast, F.Antoni 7+2reb, B.Mateusz 5+1reb+4ast, M.Pawel 4+6reb+1ast
Birzai: K.Dovydas 29+10reb+7ast, P.Nojus 27+6reb+7ast, D.Kristupas 11+4reb+2ast, M.Deimantas 9+7reb+1ast, M.Danielius 6+13reb+2ast, P.Tilius 3