Latvian-Estonian Basketball League Round 5 (Regular Season): VEF Riga loses to Tartu

It's still too early stage of the Regular Season in Lat-Est BL, but even now we can clearly see the difference between stronger teams and outsiders. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Latvian VEF Riga (7-1) recorded its first loss at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by seventh ranked Estonian Tartu (4-2) 86-74. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of VEF Riga. Tartu made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was Egyptian forward Omar El-Sheikh (205-1999, college: Arkansas St.) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds. American forward Keith Palek (206-2003, college: Missouri St.) chipped in 15 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. American forward Matt Rogers (206-2002, college: American) produced a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds for the hosts. VEF Riga's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Tartu have a solid series of three victories in a row. Defending Estonian champion moved-up to sixth place. VEF Riga at the other side dropped to the second position with one game lost. Tartu are looking forward to face higher ranked Valmiera Glass (#3) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. VEF Riga will play against Viimsi and is hoping to win this game.
One of the most interesting games of round 5 was a derby match between two teams from Estonia. Tenth ranked Keila KK won against visiting Viimsi (1-8) 78-72. Patrik Peemot (189-2001) orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. PJ Carter contributed with 22 points for the winners. Oliver Pere (194-2003) answered with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals for Viimsi. Viimsi's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Despite that victory Keila KK went down to eleventh position due to points difference. Viimsi lost third consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth place with eight games lost. They share the position with LU. Keila KK will play against higher ranked Rigas BS (#9) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Viimsi will play against the league's second-placed VEF Riga (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
One of the most interesting games of round 5 was a derby match between two teams from Estonia. Fifth ranked TalTech outleveled host Keila KK (3-5) 79-58. Oliver Metsalu stepped up with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Patrik Peemot responded with 7 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. TalTech maintains fifth place with 6-3 record. Loser Keila KK dropped to the eleventh position with five games lost. TalTech will meet league's leader Rigas Z. on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Keila KK will play against Rigas BS (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games of round 5 were very predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
winless Keila C. was defeated by Rigas BS in a road game 89-82. TalTech smashed LU at home 78-59. Viimsi lost to Ventspils on the opponent's court 60-75. BK Ogre outscored Keila C. in a home game 101-77. Viimsi was rolled over Liepaja on the road 112-54. Bigbank/Kalev lost to undefeated Rigas Z. on its own court 87-93. Valmiera Glass were beaten by Parnu in a road game 74-76.
The best stats of 5th round was 23 points and 6 rebounds by Aminu Mohammed of Valmiera Glass.



Rigas BS - Keila C. 89-82:
There was no surprise when bottom-ranked Estonian Keila C. (0-8) was defeated on the road by ninth ranked Latvian Rigas BS (3-3) 89-82 on Tuesday. Rigas BS looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Point guard Helmuts Petrovics (198-2007) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 25 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and guard Raivo Kudrjavcevs (194-2008) chipped in 10 points, 8 rebounds and 12 assists. Latvian Peteris Salmins (205-2001) responded with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and Christopher Lenk (191-2004) scored 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Rigas BS moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Parnu. Loser Keila C. still closes the standings with eight games lost. Rigas BS will meet at home Liepaja (#12) in the next round. Keila C. will play against Liepaja and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Rigas BS: P.Helmuts 25+10reb+4ast, L.Edgars 17+4reb, K.Raivo 10+8reb+12ast, A.Eduards 9+3reb+1ast, B.Roberts 8+5reb+1ast, R.Indans 6+1reb
Keila C.: A.Kivimagi 20+1reb+2ast, C.Lenk 18+5reb+4ast, P.Salmins 17+7reb+4ast, J.Tillmon 9+4reb+3ast, R.Tamkivi 6+2reb, H.John 4+7reb

Keila KK - Viimsi 78-72:
One of the most interesting games of round 5 was a derby match between two teams from Estonia. Tenth ranked Keila KK won against visiting Viimsi (1-8) 78-72. Viimsi was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Patrik Peemot (189-2001) orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. American guard PJ Carter (193-2001, college: LSU, agency: Ten18 Management) contributed with 22 points for the winners. Four Keila KK players scored in double figures. Oliver Pere (194-2003) answered with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals and point guard Kaarel Valb (192-2004) added 18 points and 5 assists in the effort for Viimsi. Viimsi's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Despite that victory Keila KK went down to eleventh position due to points difference. Viimsi lost third consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth place with eight games lost. They share the position with LU. Keila KK will play against higher ranked Rigas BS (#9) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Viimsi will play against the league's second-placed VEF Riga (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Keila KK: C.PJ 22+4reb+2ast, P.Patrik 20+6reb+4ast, S.Vitalii 13+3reb, C.Phil 11+7reb+1ast, M.Tom 5+14reb+1ast, R.Remi-Andero 5+2reb+4ast
Viimsi: K.Valb 18+3reb+5ast, P.Oliver 15+5reb+6ast, K.Jurtsenko 10+10reb+1ast, E.Urvik 8+7reb+2ast, K.Ralf 7+2reb, R.Kristo 5+4reb

TalTech - LU 78-59:
No shocking result in a game in Tallinn where fifth ranked Estonian TalTech (6-3) smashed 14th ranked Latvian LU (1-8) 78-59 on Wednesday. TalTech dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to LU's 28. TalTech looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Tormi Niits (198-1998) stepped up and scored 16 points and 5 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winners and Taavi Jurkatamm (204-1997, college: USF) chipped in 16 points and 5 assists. Ukrainian forward Liev Koshevatskyi (192-2003, agency: BIG) responded with 15 points and Arturs Kazaks (192-2005) scored 14 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. TalTech maintains fifth place with 6-3 record. LU lost sixth consecutive game. They dropped to the thirteenth position with eight games lost. They share it with Viimsi. TalTech will meet league's leader Rigas Z. on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. LU will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
TalTech: N.Tormi 16+3reb+5ast, J.Taavi 16+3reb+5ast, M.Oliver 13+3reb+2ast, S.Oliver 9+3reb, R.Jorgen 7+1reb+1ast, I.Gregor 4+6reb+1ast
LU: L.Koshevatskyi 15+2reb+2ast, K.Arturs 14+4reb, R.Thomas 10+5reb+2ast, B.Oto 7+4reb+2ast, P.Katlaps 5+4reb+2ast, J.Rodrigo 4+6reb+2ast

Ventspils - Viimsi 75-60:
Very expected game when 13th ranked Estonian Viimsi (1-8) was defeated on the road by fourth ranked Latvian Ventspils (6-2) 75-60 on Friday. Arturs Ausejs (192-1990) stepped up and scored 15 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and point guard Kristofers Karlsons (185-2004) chipped in 15 points. Erki Urvik (205-2002) responded with 11 points and 4 assists and Kristo Rannaste (193-2007) scored 13 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ventspils moved-up to third place, which they share with Valmiera Glass. Viimsi lost third consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with eight games lost. They share it with LU. Ventspils will meet Parnu (#8) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Viimsi will play against the league's second-placed VEF Riga (#2) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Ventspils: K.Kristofers 15+3ast, A.Arturs 15+7reb+1ast, Z.Ronalds 10+6reb, G.Jekabs 8+2reb, B.Isaiah 8+3ast, K.Kristen 7+7reb+1ast
Viimsi: R.Kristo 13+4reb+1ast, G.Suvi 11+4reb, E.Urvik 11+4reb+4ast, P.Oliver 8+3reb+4ast, K.Valb 5+1reb+7ast, K.Kristjan 4+3reb

BK Ogre - Keila C. 101-77:
Rather predictable result when eleventh ranked Latvian BK Ogre (3-4) outscored at home bottom-ranked Estonian Keila C. (0-8) 101-77 on Saturday. BK Ogre looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American guard Drake Dobbs (188-2001, college: St.Thomas) stepped up and scored 26 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and Karlis silke-Zunda (197-1997) chipped in 16 points and 5 assists. Five BK Ogre players scored in double figures. American guard Jordan Tillmon (190-2002, college: PVAMU) responded with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and Christopher Lenk (191-2004) scored 18 points (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. BK Ogre moved-up to tenth place. Loser Keila C. still closes the standings with eight games lost. BK Ogre will meet at home higher ranked Bigbank/Kalev (#7) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Keila C. will play against Liepaja (#12) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
BK Ogre: D.Drake 26+6reb+3ast, B.Jekabsons 17+2reb+3ast, s.Karlis 16+2reb+5ast, V.Juris 14+2reb+4ast, L.Owen 10+5reb+2ast, A.Simsons 7+3reb
Keila C.: J.Tillmon 20+6reb+4ast, C.Lenk 18+4reb+1ast, P.Margus 9+3reb+2ast, P.Salmins 8+9reb+2ast, R.Laane 8+1reb+1ast, H.John 6+1ast

Liepaja - Viimsi 112-54:
The game between closely ranked teams ended with 13th ranked Estonian Viimsi's (1-8) road loss to twelfth ranked Latvian Liepaja (2-4) 54-112 on Saturday. Liepaja dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Viimsi's 36 and made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Viimsi 43-23 including a 28-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Liepaja looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Viimsi's players. Forward Rodijs Macoha (200-2002) stepped up and scored 23 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and Estonian Ivo-Van Tamm (203-1996) chipped in 14 points and 10 rebounds. Four Liepaja players scored in double figures. point guard Kaarel Valb (192-2004) responded with 13 points and 5 assists and Oliver Pere (194-2003) scored 8 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. Liepaja maintains twelfth place with 2-4 record. Viimsi lost third consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with eight games lost. They share it with LU. Liepaja will meet higher ranked Rigas BS (#9) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Viimsi will play against the league's second-placed VEF Riga (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Liepaja: M.Rodijs 23+5reb, E.Edvards 18+1reb+2ast, T.Avi 14+5reb+5ast, T.Ivo-Van 14+10reb+2ast, S.Kristians 12+1ast, H.Bajars 8+9reb+1ast
Viimsi: K.Valb 13+5ast, E.Urvik 8+3reb, K.Kristjan 8+3reb, P.Oliver 8+3reb+2ast, K.Jurtsenko 7+3reb, R.Kristo 3+3reb

Keila KK - TalTech 58-79:
One of the most interesting games of round 5 was a derby match between two teams from Estonia. Fifth ranked TalTech outleveled host Keila KK (3-5) 79-58. They outrebounded Keila KK 46-26 including a 35-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. TalTech looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Oliver Metsalu (196-1993) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and point guard Siim-Markus Post (184-1997) chipped in 9 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. Patrik Peemot (189-2001) responded with 7 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and Ukrainian Vitalii Shymanskyi (205-2003) scored 15 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. TalTech maintains fifth place with 6-3 record. Loser Keila KK dropped to the eleventh position with five games lost. TalTech will meet league's leader Rigas Z. on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Keila KK will play against Rigas BS (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
TalTech: M.Oliver 15+10reb+4ast, P.Jaan 12+3reb+3ast, R.Jorgen 12+5reb, S.Oliver 11+1ast, P.Siim-Markus 9+7reb+8ast, M.Tormi 8+1ast
Keila KK: V.Shymanskyi 15+3reb+2ast, T.Mark 11+3reb+1ast, P.Carter 9+2reb+2ast, P.Carr 8+3reb+1ast, P.Peemot 7+8reb+6ast, R.Rumm 6+1reb+1ast

Bigbank/Kalev - Rigas Z. 87-93:
Everything went according to plan in Tallinn where leader Latvian Rigas Z. (7-0) won against 6th ranked Estonian Bigbank/Kalev (4-3) 93-87 on Saturday. Rigas Z. made 27-of-34 free shots (79.4 percent) during the game. Rigas Z. outrebounded Bigbank/Kalev 41-30 including 26 on the defensive glass. American guard Tony Perkins (193-2001, college: Missouri) stepped up and scored 28 points and 4 steals for the winners and Ukrainian Ivan Tkachenko (197-1997) chipped in 10 points and 10 rebounds. American guard KeVaughn Allen (188-1995, college: Florida) responded with 19 points and 6 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and the other American import guard Jacob Falko (190-2000, college: Binghamton, agency: Players Group) scored 19 points, 7 assists and 4 steals. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Rigas Z. have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader. Loser Bigbank/Kalev dropped to the seventh place with three games lost. Rigas Z. will meet at home TalTech (#5) in the next round. Bigbank/Kalev will play against BK Ogre and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Rigas Z.: P.Tony 28+4reb+2ast, V.Martynas 14+5reb+2ast, S.Toms 12+1reb+4ast, T.Ivan 10+10reb+1ast, C.Klavs 9+6reb, S.Ben 9+1reb+2ast
Bigbank/Kalev: K.Allen 19+4reb+6ast, J.Falko 19+2reb+7ast, H.Toom 14+9reb+4ast, D.Forrest 11+4reb+1ast, O.McCormack 8+2reb+2ast, P.Saal 8+1reb+1ast

VEF Riga - Tartu 74-86:
Latvian VEF Riga (7-1) recorded its first loss at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by seventh ranked Estonian Tartu (4-2) 86-74. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of VEF Riga. Tartu made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was Egyptian forward Omar El-Sheikh (205-1999, college: Arkansas St.) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds. American forward Keith Palek (206-2003, college: Missouri St.) chipped in 15 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Four Tartu players scored in double figures. American forward Matt Rogers (206-2002, college: American) produced a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds and power forward Mareks Mejeris (207-1991) added 14 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the hosts. VEF Riga's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Tartu have a solid series of three victories in a row. Defending Estonian champion moved-up to sixth place. VEF Riga at the other side dropped to the second position with one game lost. Tartu are looking forward to face higher ranked Valmiera Glass (#3) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. VEF Riga will play against Viimsi and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Tartu: E.Omar 20+11reb+1ast, M.Chris 18+8reb, P.Keith 15+7reb+7ast, S.Mack 15+6reb+7ast, P.Martin 9+3reb+3ast, R.Mart 4+2reb+6ast
VEF Riga: M.Rogers 20+14reb, M.Mejeris 14+8reb+2ast, O.Silins 10+3reb, J.Sears 9+3reb+8ast, L.Rodriguez 8+4reb+2ast, C.Asberry 7+4reb+2ast

Parnu - Valmiera Glass 76-74:
There was an upset when 3rd placed Latvian Valmiera Glass (6-2) were edged on the road by eleventh ranked Estonian Parnu (3-3) 76-74 on Sunday. Parnu looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Mihkel Kirves (200-1996) stepped up and scored 18 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and Latvian point guard Renars Birkans (186-1997) chipped in 11 points and 14 assists. Parnu's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Nigerian guard Aminu Mohammed (196-2001, college: Georgetown) responded with 23 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) and Verners Kohs (203-1997) scored 20 points and 5 rebounds. Five Parnu and four Valmiera Glass players scored in double figures. Parnu moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Rigas BS. Defending Latvian champion Valmiera Glass keep the third position with two games lost. They share it with Ventspils. Parnu will meet at home higher ranked Ventspils (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Valmiera Glass will play against Tartu and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Parnu: K.Mihkel 18+8reb+2ast, J.Javeon 12+2reb+2ast, B.Renars 11+14ast, D.Klavs 10+4reb, H.Joona 10+6reb+2ast, T.Tsotne 10+9reb+3ast
Valmiera Glass: A.Mohammed 23+6reb+2ast, V.Kohs 20+5reb+3ast, B.McBride 14+3ast, D.Williams 13+2reb+9ast, J.Heidbreder 4+2ast, P.Dziuba 0+7reb