Round 19 (Regular Season): Tartu beats Rigas Z. by three after a very close game

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 surprises and upsets. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Third-ranked Latvian Rigas Z. (15-6) was very close to win a game against first ranked Estonian Tartu (20-2) on Saturday. Tartu managed to secure only three-point victory 83-80. However their fans expected easier game. Tartu made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of Karl-Johan Lips (205-1996) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points and 16 rebounds. Forward Markus Ilver (206-2002, college: Wisconsin) contributed with 13 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. American forward Frankie Fidler (201-2003, college: Michigan St.) answered with 23 points and 5 rebounds for Rigas Z.Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Tartu have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 20-2 record. Rigas Z. at the other side dropped to the fourth position with six games lost. They share it with Valmiera Glass. Tartu will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Rigas Z. will play at home against BK Ogre (#8) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Important game to mention about took place in Ogre. Seventh ranked Estonian TalTech (15-7) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging 8th ranked Latvian BK Ogre (11-12) 78-76 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of BK Ogre. It was a great evening for Tormi Niits (198-1998) who led his team to a victory scoring 14 points and 8 rebounds. Siim-Markus Post helped adding 11 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. At the losing side Latvian Kristaps Dargais (198-1990) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists. TalTech moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Ventspils. BK Ogre at the other side keeps the eighth position with 12 games lost. TalTech will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. BK Ogre will play on the road against Rigas Z. (#5) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
One of the most interesting games of round 19 was a derby match between two teams from Latvia. Eighth ranked BK Ogre edged host Liepaja (4-18) 83-80. It was an exceptional evening for Kristaps Dargais who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 14 rebounds. Xavier DuSell came up with 19 points for Liepaja in the defeat. Liepaja's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. BK Ogre maintains eighth place with 11-12 record. Liepaja lost their fourth game in a row. They dropped to the twelfth position with 18 games lost. BK Ogre will meet higher ranked Rigas Z. (#5) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Liepaja will play against Ventspils (#7) and hope to secure a win.

Other games in round 19 were not that significant. VEF Riga beat Parnu on the road 72-62. LU lost to Estonian defending champion Kalev/Cramo on its own court 67-102. VEF Riga managed to outperform Ventspils in a road game 87-78. Liepaja lost to Estonian defending champion Kalev/Cramo at home 94-97. Valmiera Glass crushed Keila C. on the opponent's court 110-74.



Parnu - VEF Riga 62-72

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Latvian VEF Riga (18-4) beat on the road 9th ranked Estonian Parnu (10-13) 72-62 on Wednesday. It was an exceptional evening for Swiss-Croatian forward Toni Rocak (206-1999, college: USF) who led the winners and scored 21 points and 9 rebounds. American Curtis Hollis (198-1998, college: Hutchinson) accounted for 19 points for the winning side. Somalian-American power forward Yusuf Mohamed (208-1998, college: Westminster, UT, agency: 0z Sports Agency) came up with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds and Hendrik Eelmae (199-2000) added 12 points and 9 rebounds respectively for Parnu in the defeat. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for VEF Riga. Defending Latvian champion maintains second place with 18-4 record having just two points less than leader Tartu. Loser Parnu keeps the ninth position with 13 games lost. VEF Riga will meet Valmiera Glass (#4) on the road in the next round. Parnu will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Parnu: Y.Mohamed 18+11reb, H.Eelmae 12+9reb+1ast, A.Sverre 11+1reb+3ast, D.Harris 8+3reb+8ast, A.Ogemuno-Johnson 5+5reb+1ast, G.Ilves 4+3reb+1ast
VEF Riga: R.Toni 21+9reb+1ast, H.Curtis 19+2reb+2ast, B.Rodrigo 6+10reb+1ast, A.Rihards 6+3reb, S.Illya 6+2reb+3ast, K.Kristaps 6+7reb+4ast

Liepaja - BK Ogre 80-83

One of the most interesting games of round 19 was a derby match between two teams from Latvia. Eighth ranked BK Ogre edged host Liepaja (4-18) 83-80. It was an exceptional evening for Latvian Kristaps Dargais (198-1990) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 14 rebounds. Canadian forward Justin Ndjock-Tadjore (203-2001, college: Ottawa) accounted for 17 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side. American guard Xavier DuSell (196-2001, college: Nevada) came up with 19 points and Ilja Kurucs (206-2007) added 13 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Liepaja in the defeat. Four Liepaja players scored in double figures. Liepaja's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. BK Ogre maintains eighth place with 11-12 record. Liepaja lost their fourth game in a row. They dropped to the twelfth position with 18 games lost. BK Ogre will meet higher ranked Rigas Z. (#5) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Liepaja will play against Ventspils (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Liepaja: X.DuSell 19+4reb+3ast, I.Kurucs 13+5reb+1ast, E.Krumins 11+1reb+6ast, K.Feierbergs 10+6reb+1ast, E.Egle 9+1reb, K.Sulcs 8
BK Ogre: D.Kristaps 25+14reb+3ast, S.Guntis 20+6reb+1ast, N.Justin 17+7reb+3ast, N.Anders 7+3reb+5ast, G.Kampuss 6+2reb+5ast, A.Shundel 6+3reb+2ast

LU - Kalev/Cramo 67-102

Very expected game when 13th ranked Latvian LU (3-18) was smashed by fourth ranked Estonian Kalev/Cramo (16-6) in Riga 102-67 on Friday. Kalev/Cramo dominated down low during the game scoring 74 of its points in the paint compared to LU's 34. They outrebounded LU 40-23 including a 29-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. Kalev/Cramo looked well-organized offensively handing out 32 assists comparing to just 14 passes made by LU's players. It was an exceptional evening for Hugo Toom (200-2002) who led the winners and scored 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Guard Erik Makke (186-2005) accounted for 13 points and 9 assists for the winning side. Five Kalev/Cramo players scored in double figures. point guard Francis Neilands (194-2005) came up with 19 points and 5 assists and American guard Marlon Short (193-2001, college: UMBC) added 15 points and 7 rebounds respectively for LU in the defeat. The victory was the seventh consecutive win for Kalev/Cramo. Defending Estonian champion moved-up to third place. Loser LU keeps the thirteenth position with 18 games lost. Kalev/Cramo will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. LU will play against Valmiera Glass (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
LU: N.Francis 19+1reb+5ast, M.Short 15+7reb, T.Jarrett 8+2reb+2ast, D.Rudis 8+3reb+1ast, P.Martins 7+5reb+1ast, K.Arturs 5+1reb
Kalev/Cramo: T.Hugo 20+5reb+5ast, R.Tommy 15+9reb, M.Anrijs 14+4reb+1ast, K.Gregor 14+7reb+1ast, E.Makke 13+4reb+9ast, K.Kasemets 8+3ast

Ventspils - VEF Riga 78-87

Rather predictable result when second ranked VEF Riga (18-4) won against on the road 4th placed Ventspils (15-7) 87-78 on Friday. It was an exceptional evening for Latvian Kristaps Kilps (195-2001) who led the winners and scored 30 points and 5 assists. Swiss-Croatian forward Toni Rocak (206-1999, college: USF) accounted for 21 points for the winning side. American center Bryant Thomas (203-1999, college: C-N, agency: Olsta) came up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and Lithuanian forward Amandas Urkis (199-1999, college: Lewis & Clark, agency: BIG) added 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for Ventspils in the defeat. Ventspils' coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for VEF Riga. Defending Latvian champion maintains second place with 18-4 record having just two points less than leader Tartu. Loser Ventspils dropped to the sixth position with seven games lost. They share it with TalTech. VEF Riga will meet Valmiera Glass (#4) on the road in the next round. Ventspils will play against Liepaja and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Ventspils: B.Thomas 17+12reb+1ast, A.Urkis 16+5reb+4ast, B.Roberts 15+3reb+2ast, R.Birkans 8+2reb+5ast, E.Mezulis 7+4reb+3ast, R.Zakis 6+7reb
VEF Riga: K.Kristaps 30+2reb+5ast, R.Toni 21+4reb, H.Curtis 14+7reb+2ast, B.Dairis 9+1reb+2ast, B.Rodrigo 6+8reb+2ast, A.Adrians 3+3reb

BK Ogre - TalTech 76-78

Important game to mention about took place in Ogre. Seventh ranked Estonian TalTech (15-7) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging 8th ranked Latvian BK Ogre (11-12) 78-76 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of BK Ogre. Strangely BK Ogre outrebounded TalTech 46-30 including 35 on the defensive glass. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. It was a great evening for Tormi Niits (198-1998) who led his team to a victory scoring 14 points and 8 rebounds. point guard Siim-Markus Post (184-1997) helped adding 11 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. At the losing side Latvian Kristaps Dargais (198-1990) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists and Canadian forward Justin Ndjock-Tadjore (203-2001, college: Ottawa) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. TalTech moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Ventspils. BK Ogre at the other side keeps the eighth position with 12 games lost. TalTech will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. BK Ogre will play on the road against Rigas Z. (#5) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
BK Ogre: A.Nelson 17+4reb+2ast, K.Dargais 15+16reb+5ast, K.Apsitis 14+4reb, J.Ndjock-Tadjore 12+12reb+4ast, S.Anatoliy 7+2reb+2ast, G.Sipolins 6+3reb+3ast
TalTech: S.Oliver 15+4ast, N.Tormi 14+8reb+1ast, T.Jurkatamm 12+7reb+2ast, P.Siim-Markus 11+5reb+6ast, K.Kristjan 11+2reb+1ast, O.Metsalu 8+7reb+3ast

Liepaja - Kalev/Cramo 94-97

Not a big story in a game when 11th ranked Latvian Liepaja (4-18) was edged at home by fourth ranked Estonian Kalev/Cramo (16-6) 97-94 on Saturday. Kalev/Cramo outrebounded Liepaja 41-30 including 26 on the defensive glass. Kalev/Cramo looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was an exceptional evening for Latvian Anrijs Miska (208-2000) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Erik Makke (186-2005) accounted for 16 points, 7 assists and 4 steals for the winning side. American guard Xavier DuSell (196-2001, college: Nevada) came up with 25 points and 5 rebounds and forward Kristians Feierbergs (203-2002, college: FSC) added 18 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Liepaja in the defeat. Five Kalev/Cramo and four Liepaja players scored in double figures. Liepaja's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. The victory was the seventh consecutive win for Kalev/Cramo. Defending Estonian champion moved-up to third place. Liepaja lost their fourth game in a row. They dropped to the twelfth position with 18 games lost. Kalev/Cramo will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Liepaja will play against Ventspils (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Liepaja: X.DuSell 25+5reb+1ast, K.Feierbergs 18+8reb+1ast, S.Vitalii 11+4reb, I.Kurucs 10+4reb, K.Sulcs 7+1reb+2ast, E.Krumins 7+1reb+4ast
Kalev/Cramo: M.Anrijs 20+10reb, E.Makke 16+1reb+7ast, T.Hugo 16+5reb+2ast, A.Tyson 14+4reb+5ast, R.Tommy 13+6reb+1ast, K.Gregor 6+9reb+2ast

Keila C. - Valmiera Glass 74-110

Everything went according to plan when sixth ranked Latvian Valmiera Glass (15-6) outplayed on the road bottom-ranked Estonian Keila C. (2-21) 110-74 on Saturday. Valmiera Glass dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Keila C.'s 32 and made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Keila C. 40-29 including 29 on the defensive glass. Valmiera Glass looked well-organized offensively handing out 33 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Keila C.'s players. It was an exceptional evening for American power forward A.J. Pacher (208-1992, college: Wright St., agency: SLN) who led the winners and scored 14 points and 8 rebounds. Bosnian center Omar Pajic (205-1999, agency: PEPI SPORT) accounted for 15 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. Five Valmiera Glass players scored in double figures. Canadian guard Marko Maletic (198, college: W.Illinois, agency: Starting 5) came up with 19 points and 5 rebounds and American forward Isaiah Thompson (198-2003, college: Winona St., agency: Starting 5) added 14 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Keila C. in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Valmiera Glass. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Rigas Z. Keila C. lost their eighteenth game in a row. They stay dead last with 21 lost games. Valmiera Glass will meet LU (#13) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Keila C. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Keila C.: M.Maletic 19+5reb+3ast, I.Thompson 14+8reb, L.Christopher 11+2reb+5ast, T.Roland 6, K.Ralf 6+4reb+5ast, K.Karl 6
Valmiera Glass: P.Omar 15+5reb+3ast, K.Karlsons 14+3reb+3ast, P.A.J. 14+8reb+1ast, J.Kalnins 12+3reb+4ast, T.Aniwaniwa 12+6reb+4ast, D.Stenionis 11+2reb+8ast

Tartu - Rigas Z. 83-80

Third-ranked Latvian Rigas Z. (15-6) was very close to win a game against first ranked Estonian Tartu (20-2) on Saturday. Tartu managed to secure only three-point victory 83-80. However their fans expected easier game. Tartu made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of Karl-Johan Lips (205-1996) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points and 16 rebounds. Forward Markus Ilver (206-2002, college: Wisconsin) contributed with 13 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Five Tartu players scored in double figures. American forward Frankie Fidler (201-2003, college: Michigan St.) answered with 23 points and 5 rebounds and forward Janis Berzins (201-1993) added 12 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Rigas Z.Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Tartu have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 20-2 record. Rigas Z. at the other side dropped to the fourth position with six games lost. They share it with Valmiera Glass. Tartu will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Rigas Z. will play at home against BK Ogre (#8) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Rigas Z.: F.Frankie 23+5reb+2ast, J.Berzins 12+6reb, R.Macoha 9+4reb, M.Adewunmi 9+7reb, S.Rolands 6+3reb, R.Berzins 6+2reb
Tartu: L.Karl-Johan 24+16reb+1ast, M.Bryce 15+3reb+3ast, I.Markus 13+8reb+2ast, P.Martin 11+2reb+4ast, B.Malcolm 10+3reb+4ast, S.Hannes 5+1reb