Day 21 (Regular Season): Leader Tartu loses to Valmiera Glass

There are only two more rounds left in the Regular Season in Lat-Est BL. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Top ranked Estonian Tartu (21-3) recorded its third loss on the court of sixth ranked Latvian Valmiera Glass on Saturday night. Visitors were rolled over by Valmiera Glass 99-79. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Tartu. Valmiera Glass dominated down low during the game scoring 42 of its points in the paint compared to Tartu's 22. Valmiera Glass looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. 25 personal fouls committed by Tartu helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Lithuanian point guard Dominykas Stenionis (178-2002) who scored 14 points and 8 assists. New Zealand swingman Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones (198-2001, college: UCSD) chipped in 16 points and 5 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Bryce McBride (188-2000, college: YSU) who recorded 17 points and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Valmiera Glass (17-6) have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. They moved-up to fifth place. Tartu at the other side still keeps top position with three games lost. Valmiera Glass are looking forward to face Ventspils (#6) on the road in the next round. Tartu will play against the league's second-placed VEF Riga (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
One of the most interesting games of round 21 was a derby match between two teams from Estonia. Fourth ranked Kalev/Cramo outleveled host Keila KK (5-19) 98-73. It was a good game for American Stephon Jelks (198-1996, college: Mercer) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 21 rebounds. Erik Makke contributed with 17 points and 4 assists for the winners. American guard Jeremiah Paige (190-1996, college: Colorado St.) answered with 18 points and 7 rebounds for Keila KK. 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 ninth consecutive win for Kalev/Cramo. Defending Estonian champion (18-6) moved-up to third place, which they share with Rigas Z. Keila KK lost their fifth game in a row. They keep the eleventh position with 19 games lost. Kalev/Cramo will play against BK Ogre (#8) at home in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Keila KK's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Keila to the arena Keila C..
One of the most interesting games of round 21 was a derby match between two teams from Estonia. First ranked Tartu outleveled host Parnu (10-15) 91-70. Karl-Johan Lips stepped up and scored 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. The best for the losing side was Daniel Johansson with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Tartu. They maintain first place with 21-3 record. Parnu lost their third game in a row. They keep the ninth position with 15 games lost. Tartu will meet league's second-placed VEF Riga on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Parnu will play against Viimsi (#10) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games of round 21 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
LU was defeated by TalTech in Tallinn 109-92. Viimsi beat Liepaja at home 76-71. Bottom-ranked Keila C. lost to Ventspils on the opponent's court 83-95. Rigas Z. managed to outperform Parnu in a home game 83-75. LU recorded a loss to Keila KK on the road 119-115. TalTech was defeated by Rigas Z. on its own court 86-95.



Keila KK - Kalev/Cramo 73-98

One of the most interesting games of round 21 was a derby match between two teams from Estonia. Fourth ranked Kalev/Cramo outleveled host Keila KK (5-19) 98-73. Kalev/Cramo outrebounded Keila KK 46-32 including 17 on the offensive glass. It was a good game for American Stephon Jelks (198-1996, college: Mercer) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 21 rebounds. Guard Erik Makke (186-2005) contributed with 17 points and 4 assists for the winners. Four Kalev/Cramo players scored in double figures. American guard Jeremiah Paige (190-1996, college: Colorado St.) answered with 18 points and 7 rebounds and American-Nigerian Rey Idowu (207-1999, college: Tulsa) added 18 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Keila KK. 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 ninth consecutive win for Kalev/Cramo. Defending Estonian champion (18-6) moved-up to third place, which they share with Rigas Z. Keila KK lost their fifth game in a row. They keep the eleventh position with 19 games lost. Kalev/Cramo will play against BK Ogre (#8) at home in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Keila KK's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Keila to the arena Keila C..
Top scorers:
Keila KK: I.Rey 18+6reb, P.Jeremiah 18+7reb+3ast, P.Peemot 14+3reb, S.Eric 9+6reb, S.Ralf 6+1reb+2ast, E.Ruutel 4+2reb+1ast
Kalev/Cramo: J.Stephon 18+21reb+1ast, E.Makke 17+2reb+4ast, K.Severi 16+3reb+4ast, K.Tanel 14+2reb+1ast, T.Hugo 9+4reb, K.Gregor 7+3reb

TalTech - LU 109-92

There was no surprise in Tallinn where 13th ranked Latvian LU (3-20) was defeated by seventh ranked Estonian TalTech (16-9) 109-92 on Wednesday. TalTech dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to LU's 28 and made 22-of-27 free shots (81.5 percent) during the game. They outrebounded LU 47-25 including a 36-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. TalTech looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by LU's players. Oliver Metsalu (196-1993) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners and point guard Siim-Markus Post (184-1997) chipped in 14 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists. The best for the losing side was American guard Jalen Miller (188, college: ORU) with 23 points and the other American import guard Zion Styles (190-2000, college: UMES) scored 16 points and 6 rebounds. Five TalTech and four LU players scored in double figures. TalTech maintains seventh place with 16-9 record. LU lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the thirteenth position with 20 games lost. TalTech will meet at home higher ranked Rigas Z. (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. LU will play against Liepaja (#12) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
LU: M.Jalen 23+4reb+2ast, S.Zion 16+6reb+1ast, M.Adewunmi 15+3reb+2ast, K.Arturs 14+1reb, B.Oto 9+6reb+5ast, E.Lucis 8+1reb+2ast
TalTech: S.Oliver 18+3reb+2ast, N.Tormi 18+10reb+2ast, R.Pehka 16+3reb+2ast, P.Siim-Markus 14+7reb+10ast, O.Metsalu 13+13reb+6ast, I.Sunelik 10+5reb+2ast

Parnu - Tartu 70-91

One of the most interesting games of round 21 was a derby match between two teams from Estonia. First ranked Tartu outleveled host Parnu (10-15) 91-70. Karl-Johan Lips (205-1996) stepped up and scored 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and American center Dylan Painter (208-1998, college: Delaware) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds. Four Tartu players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Swedish Daniel Johansson (201-1998) with 17 points and 5 rebounds and American point guard Devin Harris (182-1992, college: OKWU) scored 14 points and 6 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Tartu. They maintain first place with 21-3 record. Parnu lost their third game in a row. They keep the ninth position with 15 games lost. Tartu will meet league's second-placed VEF Riga on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Parnu will play against Viimsi (#10) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Parnu: D.Johansson 17+5reb+2ast, D.Harris 14+6reb+2ast, Y.Mohamed 13+8reb, G.Ilves 8+3reb+3ast, H.Eelmae 8+1reb+2ast, A.Sverre 4+1reb+1ast
Tartu: P.Dylan 16+6reb+1ast, L.Karl-Johan 15+8reb+2ast, B.Malcolm 12+3reb+3ast, V.Robert 12+3reb+2ast, M.Bryce 8+3reb+4ast, P.Martin 8+2reb

Viimsi - Liepaja 76-71

The game between closely ranked teams ended with tenth ranked Estonian Viimsi's (7-17) home victory over 11th ranked Latvian Liepaja (4-20) 76-71 on Wednesday. American forward Kevin Baker (205-1998, college: LC State, agency: Starting 5) stepped up and scored 20 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and Kaspar Kuusmaa (185-2004) chipped in 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Viimsi players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American guard Xavier DuSell (196-2001, college: Nevada) with 24 points and 6 rebounds and Ilja Kurucs (206-2007) scored 14 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. The victory was the third consecutive win for Viimsi. They maintain tenth place with 7-17 record. Liepaja lost their sixth game in a row. They dropped to the twelfth position with 20 games lost. Viimsi will meet higher ranked Parnu (#9) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Liepaja will play against LU in Riga and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Liepaja: X.DuSell 24+6reb, I.Kurucs 14+7reb+2ast, E.Krumins 11+4reb+5ast, K.Feierbergs 7+8reb+4ast, H.Petrovics 6+3reb, K.Sulcs 3
Viimsi: B.Kevin 20+8reb+2ast, J.Rikberg 18+3reb+1ast, K.Kaspar 14+7reb+4ast, K.Kokk 10+2reb+1ast, E.Urvik 6+4reb+3ast, K.Kilk 3

Ventspils - Keila C. 95-83

Very expected game when 14th ranked Estonian Keila C. (2-22) was defeated on the road by sixth ranked Latvian Ventspils (17-7) 95-83 on Friday. Ventspils made 21-of-26 free shots (80.8 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Ventspils made 7 blocks. The game was dominated by American players. Guard Cameron Shelton (188-1999, college: LMU) stepped up and scored 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and center Bryant Thomas (203-1999, college: C-N, agency: Olsta) chipped in 19 points. Four Ventspils players scored in double figures. Ventspils' coach used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to get some rest. The best for the losing side was forward Isaiah Thompson (198-2003, college: Winona St., agency: Starting 5) with 26 points and 9 rebounds and guard Marty Hill (196-1997, college: Evansville) scored 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Ventspils maintains sixth place with 17-7 record. Keila C. lost their nineteenth game in a row. They stay dead last with 22 lost games. Ventspils will meet at home higher ranked Valmiera Glass (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Keila C.'s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Keila Keila KK.
Top scorers:
Keila C.: I.Thompson 26+9reb+2ast, M.Hill 17+7reb+5ast, S.Patrik 15+8reb+2ast, K.Ralf 7+6reb+1ast, M.Maletic 6+2reb+1ast, L.Christopher 6+1ast
Ventspils: T.Bryant 19+4reb+1ast, S.Cameron 15+6reb+5ast, U.Amandas 15+2reb+3ast, A.Arturs 10+3reb+4ast, M.Edvards 9+5reb+2ast, B.Renars 8+1reb+3ast

Rigas Z. - Parnu 83-75

Very predictable result when third ranked Latvian Rigas Z. (18-6) beat at home 9th ranked Estonian Parnu (10-15) 83-75 on Saturday. Rigas Z. looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Forward Rodijs Macoha (200-2002) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds for the winners and American forward Frankie Fidler (201-2003, college: Michigan St.) chipped in 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was American point guard Devin Harris (182-1992, college: OKWU) with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and Nigerian forward Ajiri Ogemuno-Johnson (203-1999, college: Rider) scored 6 points and 13 rebounds. The victory was the third consecutive win for Rigas Z.. They maintain third place with 18-6 record having just three points less than leader Tartu, which they share with Kalev/Cramo. Parnu lost their third game in a row. They keep the ninth position with 15 games lost. Rigas Z. will meet TalTech (#7) in the next round. Parnu will play against Viimsi and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Parnu: D.Harris 21+7reb+5ast, Y.Mohamed 13+4reb+2ast, H.Aleksander 9+3reb+1ast, G.Ilves 8+5reb+4ast, H.Eelmae 7+2reb+2ast, A.Sverre 7+1reb
Rigas Z.: M.Rodijs 19+11reb+2ast, S.Khalil 15+1reb+5ast, F.Fidler 14+7reb+4ast, R.Sulcs 10+4reb+2ast, B.Roberts 8+3reb+1ast, L.Denys 8+3reb+9ast

Keila KK - LU 119-115

Not a big story in a game when 13th ranked Latvian LU (3-20) was defeated on the road by eleventh ranked Estonian Keila KK (5-19) 119-115 on Saturday. Strangely LU outrebounded Keila KK 61-42 including 17 on the offensive glass. American swingman Dequan Morris (192-1999, college: UAPB) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 31 points and 12 rebounds for the winners and point guard Eric Schmalz (188-1999) chipped in 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. The best for the losing side was American guard Zion Styles (190-2000, college: UMES) with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 13 rebounds and Nigerian-American guard Mike Adewunmi (198-1999, college: UTRGV) produced a double-double by scoring 26 points and 13 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Keila KK maintains eleventh place with 5-19 record. LU lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the thirteenth position with 20 games lost. Keila KK's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Keila to the arena Keila C..
Top scorers:
LU: S.Zion 28+13reb+2ast, M.Adewunmi 26+13reb+3ast, M.Jalen 25+7reb, B.Oto 14+7reb+3ast, N.Francis 10+7reb+2ast, K.Arturs 6+1ast
Keila KK: M.Dequan 31+12reb, E.Schmalz 22+7reb+5ast, J.Paige 18+5reb+5ast, P.Patrik 15+6reb+6ast, R.Sats 15+4reb+2ast, R.Eke 9+2reb

TalTech - Rigas Z. 86-95

Everything went according to plan in Tallinn where third ranked Latvian Rigas Z. (18-6) won against 7th ranked Estonian TalTech (16-9) 95-86 on Monday. Rigas Z. outrebounded TalTech 44-31 including a 33-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. American point guard Khalil Shabazz (183-1998, college: USF) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists for the winners and his fellow American import forward Frankie Fidler (201-2003, college: Michigan St.) chipped in 13 points and 12 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Oliver Metsalu (196-1993) with 22 points and 8 rebounds and Tormi Niits (198-1998) scored 16 points and 7 rebounds. Five Rigas Z. and four TalTech players scored in double figures. The victory was the third consecutive win for Rigas Z.. They maintain third place with 18-6 record having just three points less than leader Tartu, which they share with Kalev/Cramo. Loser TalTech keeps the seventh position with nine games lost. Rigas Z. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. TalTech will play again against Rigas Z. (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
TalTech: M.Oliver 22+8reb+2ast, O.Suurorg 17, T.Niits 16+7reb+3ast, V.Kaarel 10+3reb+2ast, P.Ran Andre 7+2reb+3ast, K.Kitsing 7+2reb+1ast
Rigas Z.: R.Sulcs 23+4reb+1ast, S.Khalil 18+6reb+10ast, B.Roberts 15+4reb+3ast, F.Fidler 13+12reb+3ast, A.Christian 13+10reb, D.Krestinin 10+4reb

Valmiera Glass - Tartu 99-79

Top ranked Estonian Tartu (21-3) recorded its third loss on the court of sixth ranked Latvian Valmiera Glass on Saturday night. Visitors were rolled over by Valmiera Glass 99-79. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Tartu. Valmiera Glass dominated down low during the game scoring 42 of its points in the paint compared to Tartu's 22. Valmiera Glass looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. 25 personal fouls committed by Tartu helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Lithuanian point guard Dominykas Stenionis (178-2002) who scored 14 points and 8 assists. New Zealand swingman Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones (198-2001, college: UCSD) chipped in 16 points and 5 assists. Five Valmiera Glass players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Bryce McBride (188-2000, college: YSU) who recorded 17 points and 4 assists and guard Martin Paasoja (191-1993, agency: Helping Ballers) added 16 points respectively. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Valmiera Glass (17-6) have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. They moved-up to fifth place. Tartu at the other side still keeps top position with three games lost. Valmiera Glass are looking forward to face Ventspils (#6) on the road in the next round. Tartu will play against the league's second-placed VEF Riga (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tartu: B.McBride 17+4reb+4ast, M.Paasoja 16+2reb, M.Bernard 11+2reb+1ast, R.Nurger 9+3reb, K.Lips 7+3reb+2ast, R.Valge 6
Valmiera Glass: M.Vitols 18+1reb+3ast, P.Omar 17+4reb, T.Aniwaniwa 16+4reb+5ast, D.Stenionis 14+4reb+8ast, A.Artis 10+6reb+2ast, P.A.J. 9+2reb+1ast