Round 31 (Regular Season): Ridzene edge YMCA by two points

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 31 in the EYBL U17 ended with only two-point defeat of much higher ranked Finnish YMCA (10-6) to thirteenth ranked Latvian Ridzene (7-1) 64-62 on Saturday evening. Ridzene trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 18-12 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Forward Alekss Kalnins (198-2008) fired a double-double by scoring 10 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Ricards Drava chipped in 13 points and 8 rebounds. Forward Peter Santos (-2008) produced 20 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Ridzene have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 9 other teams. YMCA at the other side keeps the second position with six games lost.
Latvian Kekava can celebrate finally their first win this season after seven consecutive losses. The victory is especially important as it came on the road game in Kekava, where they edged Lithuanian Taurage (1-7) 85-82. Worth to mention a great performance of Ricards Dreimanis who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 29 points and 17 rebounds. Kristians Rakickis contributed with 25 points for the winners. Arnas Budginas answered with 22 points for Taurage. Kekava maintains 73th place with 1-7 record, which they share with 7 other teams including defeated Taurage. It was Taurage's fifth loss in a row.
Lithuanian Taurage can celebrate finally their first win this season after seven consecutive losses. The victory is especially important as they defeated much higher ranked British Brent (1-7) 73-66 on Sunday. It was a great evening for Neimantas Viliusis who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. At the losing side Kyran Palmer responded with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 13 rebounds. Brent's coach rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Taurage left bottom position moving up to 73th place, which they share with 7 other teams including defeated Brent. It was Brent's fourth loss in a row.

Other games of round 31 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Basketbola Klase crushed Brent 86-52. Basketbola Klase was beaten by Kutaisi 74-87. Sigulda destroyed Taurage 90-66. Kutaisi managed to outperform Kekava 86-75. Kutaisi recorded a loss to Ridzene 79-68. Kekava was defeated by YMCA 82-88.
The best stats of 31th round was 20 points and 21 rebounds by Ali Tokgoz of YMCA.



Brent - Basketbola Klase 52-86

There was no surprise when 73th ranked British Brent (1-7) was crushed by nineteenth ranked Latvian Basketbola Klase (6-2) 86-52 on Saturday. The game without a history. Basketbola Klase led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Basketbola Klase forced 26 Brent turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 5 passes made by Brent's players. It was a great evening for Davis Neijs who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds. Martins Rancans helped adding 28 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). At the losing side Kyran Palmer responded with 15 points and Stelios Christofi scored 8 points and 13 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. Basketbola Klase have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They moved-up to fourteenth place, which they share with 6 other teams. Brent lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the 73th position with seven games lost. They share it with 7 other teams.
Top scorers:
Brent: K.Palmer 15+4reb+2ast, J.Fagbenle 10+4reb+1ast, M.Novolani 9+3reb, S.Christofi 8+13reb, J.Blair 4+4reb+1ast, R.Cryer 3+1ast
Basketbola Klase: M.Rancans 28+2ast, D.Neijs 18+11reb+1ast, A.Kriekis 12+2ast, E.Briekmanis 8+7reb+5ast, R.Zelenovs 7+3reb+5ast, R.Bekmanis 6+1reb

Kekava - Taurage 85-82 OT

Latvian Kekava can celebrate finally their first win this season after seven consecutive losses. The victory is especially important as it came on the road game in Kekava, where they edged Lithuanian Taurage (1-7) 85-82. Taurage was ahead by 1 point at the halftime before a 12-10 third quarter run of Kekava. They tied the game at the end of regular time. Then they were better in overtime eventually winning that period 14-11. Taurage was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of Ricards Dreimanis who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 29 points and 17 rebounds. Kristians Rakickis contributed with 25 points for the winners. Arnas Budginas answered with 22 points and Domas Lingys added 20 points and 4 assists in the effort for Taurage. Four Taurage players scored in double figures. Kekava maintains 73th place with 1-7 record, which they share with 7 other teams including defeated Taurage. It was Taurage's fifth loss in a row.
Top scorers:
Taurage: A.Budginas 22+4reb+3ast, D.Lingys 20+4reb+4ast, E.Zilevicius 13+14reb, N.Viliusis 12+9reb+2ast, A.Maciunas 9+6reb+2ast, E.Macijauskas 4+4reb+1ast
Kekava: R.Dreimanis 29+17reb+3ast, K.Rakickis 25+3reb+2ast, K.Lagzdins 12+4reb, M.Mileiko 7+3reb+1ast, P.Pigoznis 5+3reb+3ast, R.Brikmanis 4+6reb+7ast

YMCA - Ridzene 62-64

The most exciting game of round 31 in the EYBL U17 ended with only two-point defeat of much higher ranked Finnish YMCA (10-6) to thirteenth ranked Latvian Ridzene (7-1) 64-62 on Saturday evening. Ridzene trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 18-12 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Forward Alekss Kalnins (198-2008) fired a double-double by scoring 10 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Ricards Drava chipped in 13 points and 8 rebounds. Four Ridzene players scored in double figures. Forward Peter Santos (-2008) produced 20 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and Eero Gustafsson added 15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Ridzene have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 9 other teams. YMCA at the other side keeps the second position with six games lost.
Top scorers:
YMCA: P.Santos 20+9reb+4ast, E.Gustafsson 15+5reb+5ast, E.Niemi 7+4reb+1ast, D.Koivisto 6+4reb+1ast, S.Korpijarvi 4+2reb+1ast, A.Tokgoz 4+1reb+1ast
Ridzene: R.Indans 14+3reb+1ast, R.Drava 13+8reb+2ast, K.Teteris 12+2reb+1ast, A.Kalnins 10+15reb+4ast, N.Aizbalts 6+4reb, H.Lejnieks 3+3reb+1ast

Basketbola Klase - Kutaisi 74-87

There was a surprise result when 31th ranked Georgian Kutaisi (4-4) defeated higher ranked Latvian Basketbola Klase (6-2) 87-74 on Saturday. Kutaisi trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 87-74. Kutaisi dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Basketbola Klase's 36. It was a great evening for Sandro Managadze (193-2007) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 17 rebounds. Gera Tcheishvili (-2007) helped adding 27 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. At the losing side Davis Neijs responded with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 12 rebounds and Eduards Briekmanis scored 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kutaisi have a solid series of four victories in a row. Despite that victory Kutaisi went down to 32th position due to points difference, which they share with 9 other teams. Loser Basketbola Klase dropped to the fourteenth place with two games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams.
Top scorers:
Basketbola Klase: D.Neijs 24+12reb+3ast, E.Briekmanis 20+6reb+4ast, M.Rancans 14+5reb+3ast, A.Kriekis 9+4reb+4ast, G.Dubovs 5+2reb, R.Zelenovs 2+4reb+8ast
Kutaisi: S.Managadze 30+17reb, G.Tcheishvili 27+8reb+7ast, T.Chokhonelidze 15+3reb+4ast, N.Berekashvili 9+7reb+7ast, N.Machitidze 4+4reb+1ast, M.Sanikadze 2

Taurage - Sigulda 66-90

Very expected game when 83th ranked Lithuanian Taurage (1-7) was rolled over by 44th ranked Latvian Sigulda (4-4) 90-66 on Saturday. The game without a history. Sigulda led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Sigulda outrebounded Taurage 54-40 including 17 on the offensive glass. Sigulda looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was a great evening for Matiss Lacis (-2008) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Arturs Timofejevs (185-2008) helped adding 23 points and 12 rebounds. Sigulda's coach felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side Neimantas Viliusis responded with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists and Arnas Budginas scored 27 points. Sigulda moved-up to 32th place, which they share with 9 other teams. Taurage lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the 73th position with seven games lost. They share it with 7 other teams.
Top scorers:
Taurage: A.Budginas 27+1reb, N.Viliusis 15+8reb+5ast, D.Lingys 7+8reb+2ast, E.Zilevicius 6+9reb, A.Maciunas 4+3reb+2ast, E.Macijauskas 4+3reb+2ast
Sigulda: E.Eisaks 25+8reb+1ast, M.Lacis 24+13reb+4ast, A.Timofejevs 23+12reb+2ast, E.Mihailovs 6+4reb+7ast, R.Pancenko 6+3reb+2ast, O.Kramzaks 3

Kutaisi - Kekava 86-75

Very predictable result when 31th ranked Georgian Kutaisi (4-4) beat 73th ranked Latvian Kekava (1-7) 86-75 on Saturday. Kutaisi trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 4-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 86-75. Kutaisi dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Kekava's 34. They outrebounded Kekava 51-25 including a 21-8 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great evening for Gera Tcheishvili (-2007) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Sandro Managadze (193-2007) helped adding 23 points and 10 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Kutaisi's coach used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side Rihards Brikmanis responded with 23 points and 4 assists and Ricards Dreimanis scored 14 points and 8 rebounds. Five Kutaisi and four Kekava players scored in double figures. Kutaisi have a solid series of four victories in a row. Despite that victory Kutaisi went down to 32th position due to points difference, which they share with 9 other teams. Loser Kekava keeps the 73th place with seven games lost. They share the position with 7 other teams.
Top scorers:
Kekava: R.Brikmanis 23+2reb+4ast, R.Dreimanis 14+8reb+1ast, J.Stikans 10+2reb+4ast, R.Jurgelis 10+1reb, M.Mileiko 9+3reb+5ast, P.Pigoznis 6+1reb
Kutaisi: G.Tcheishvili 24+7reb+6ast, S.Managadze 23+10reb+2ast, T.Chokhonelidze 13+11reb+5ast, N.Berekashvili 12+16reb+2ast, N.Machitidze 10+2ast, A.Shushania 2+2reb

Taurage - Brent 73-66

Lithuanian Taurage can celebrate finally their first win this season after seven consecutive losses. The victory is especially important as they defeated much higher ranked British Brent (1-7) 73-66 on Sunday. Taurage was tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Taurage forced 20 Brent turnovers. It was a great evening for Neimantas Viliusis who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Elijus Zilevicius helped adding 15 points and 11 rebounds. Four Taurage players scored in double figures. At the losing side Kyran Palmer responded with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 13 rebounds and Justin Fagbenle scored 18 points and 9 rebounds. Brent's coach rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Taurage left bottom position moving up to 73th place, which they share with 7 other teams including defeated Brent. It was Brent's fourth loss in a row.
Top scorers:
Brent: K.Palmer 21+13reb+2ast, J.Fagbenle 18+9reb+2ast, M.Novolani 6+3reb, S.Christofi 6+6reb, R.Cryer 5+3reb, C.Silcott 3+2reb
Taurage: N.Viliusis 21+12reb+5ast, E.Zilevicius 15+11reb+1ast, D.Lingys 10+1reb, A.Maciunas 10+2reb+3ast, A.Budginas 9+5reb+6ast, K.Paciavicius 4+3reb+1ast

Ridzene - Kutaisi 79-68

Not a big story in a game when 31th ranked Georgian Kutaisi (4-4) was defeated by thirteenth ranked Latvian Ridzene (7-1) 79-68 on Sunday. Kutaisi was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 11-point lead after three quarters before a 28-6 charge of Ridzene, which allowed them to win the game. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Kutaisi to just 6 points in fourth quarter. Ridzene forced 20 Kutaisi turnovers. It was a great evening for Norberts Aizbalts (-2008) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 37 points (!!!) and 18 rebounds. Kristers Silins helped adding 10 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. At the losing side Gera Tcheishvili (-2007) responded with 33 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds and Sandro Managadze (193-2007) produced a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ridzene have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 9 other teams. Loser Kutaisi dropped to the 32th position with four games lost. They share it with 9 other teams.
Top scorers:
Kutaisi: G.Tcheishvili 33+6reb+3ast, S.Managadze 15+10reb+1ast, N.Berekashvili 9+5reb, T.Chokhonelidze 8+9reb+3ast, N.Machitidze 3+3reb+2ast, N.Maglakelidze 0
Ridzene: N.Aizbalts 37+18reb+2ast, R.Indans 13+1reb+3ast, K.Silins 10+6reb+5ast, R.Drava 8+8reb+1ast, M.Fomins 8+3reb+1ast, H.Lejnieks 3+2reb+1ast

Kekava - YMCA 82-88

Everything went according to plan when second ranked Finnish YMCA (10-6) won against 73th ranked Latvian Kekava (1-7) 88-82 on Sunday. YMCA started the game with a very strong first quarter 26-16. But Kekava won second period 25-21. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Kekava 48-35 including a 23-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great evening for guard Ali Tokgoz (185-2008) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 21 rebounds. Eero Gustafsson helped adding 16 points and 6 rebounds. YMCA's coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side Ricards Dreimanis responded with 24 points and 6 rebounds and Rihards Brikmanis scored 22 points. Four Kekava players scored in double figures. YMCA maintains second place with 10-6 record having just nineteen point less than leader VKM. Loser Kekava keeps the 73th position with seven games lost. They share it with 7 other teams.
Top scorers:
Kekava: R.Dreimanis 24+6reb+2ast, R.Brikmanis 22+2reb+1ast, K.Rakickis 13+3reb+2ast, J.Stikans 11+8reb+3ast, M.Lubovs 4+2reb+2ast, R.Jurgelis 4+3reb
YMCA: A.Tokgoz 20+21reb+3ast, E.Gustafsson 16+6reb+3ast, D.Koivisto 11+6reb+2ast, P.Santos 10+1reb, P.Laajasalo 9+4reb+2ast, S.Korpijarvi 8+4ast