The teams have now bigger motivation at this stage of Regular Season. Every game can be crucial and decide about teams' position at the end of Regular Season. There was no lack of interesting games this round. The round ended with derby games, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.
The most exciting game of round 23 in the EstLatBL took place in Jurmala. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of second-ranked Ogre (22-3) to eighth ranked Jurmala (12-10) 90-87 on Saturday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the guest team. 26 personal fouls committed by Ogre helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for forward Ervins Jonats (203-91) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Ugis Pinete (194-91) helped adding 25 points. American guard James Batemon (185-97, college: Loyola Mary) responded with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Jurmala moved-up to seventh place. Ogre at the other side keeps the second position with three games lost. They share it with Kalev/Cramo. Jurmala are looking forward to face TLU/Kalev (#11) in Tallinn in the next round. Ogre will play at home against Kalev/Cramo (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
EstLatBL top team - VEF Riga (24-2) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed eleventh ranked TalTech (8-17) in Tallinn 122-91. It was a quality performance for American forward Zach Smith (203-96, college: Texas Tech) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds (perfect from the field making all eight shots !!!). Arturs Kurucs accounted for 22 points and 7 assists. Swingman Oliver Metsalu (196-93) came up with 23 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for TalTech 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. VEF Riga have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 24-2 record. TalTech lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the twelfth position with 17 games lost. VEF Riga will play against bottom-ranked Valga-Valka (#15) at home in the next round which should be another easy win for them. TalTech will play against Tartu Ulikool and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Thirteenth-ranked LU (6-18) gave a tough game to eighth ranked Rapla (13-12) in Riga on Sunday. The visitors from Rapla managed to secure only three-point victory 69-66. However their fans expected much easier game. The best player for the winners was Devaugntah Williams who scored 19 points. Renars Birkans produced 14 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for the hosts. LU's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Rapla moved-up to fifth place. LU lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with 18 games lost. Rapla will meet at home VIA (#10) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. LU will play against Liepaja and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game took place in Tallinn where higher ranked Tarvas (12-13) were upset on the court of twelfth ranked TLU/Kalev (8-16) 89-76. Michael Buchanan orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds. TLU/Kalev have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eleventh place. Tarvas lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 13 games lost. TLU/Kalev's next round opponent will be higher ranked Jurmala (#7) on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Seventh ranked Parnu (13-13) crushed at home 14th ranked Liepaja (4-20) by 46 points 126-80, which is the biggest margin this round on Wednesday night. Worth to mention a quality performance of Marko Stojadinovic who helped to win the game recording 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Parnu's coach Heiko Rannula felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Parnu have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to sixth place. Liepaja lost tenth consecutive game. They keep the fourteenth position with 20 games lost. Parnu will have a break next round. Liepaja will play at home against LU (#13) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 23: Kalev/Cramo destroyed TalTech on the opponent's court 102-61. Tartu Ulikool managed to outperform Tarvas in a home game 84-66. TLU/Kalev managed to beat VIA on the road 98-90. VIA was crushed by Ventspils on its own court 74-98.
TalTech - Kalev/Cramo 61-102
Very expected game in Tallinn where 11th ranked TalTech (8-17) was crushed by third ranked Kalev/Cramo (22-3) 102-61 on Wednesday. Kalev/Cramo made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. TalTech was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for American guard Tekele Cotton (189-93, college: Wichita St.) who led his team to a victory scoring 14 points. British-American forward Sacha Killeya-Jones (209-98, college: NC State) helped adding 16 points. Five Kalev/Cramo players scored in double figures. The former international forward Joonas Jarvelainen (202-90) responded with 22 points and swingman Oliver Metsalu (196-93) scored 10 points and 9 rebounds. 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. Kalev/Cramo have an impressive series of fifteen victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Ogre. TalTech lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the twelfth position with 17 games lost. Kalev/Cramo will face league's second-placed Ogre on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. TalTech will play against Tartu Ulikool (#9) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
TalTech: J.Jarvelainen 22+3reb+1ast, L.Bockler 11+5reb+5ast, O.Metsalu 10+9reb+3ast, E.Schmalz 5+3reb+1ast, R.Tammet 4+4reb+1ast, G.Arbet 4+1reb
Kalev/Cramo: S.Killeya-Jones 16+2reb+2ast, M.Finke 14+2reb+1ast, T.Cotton 14+3reb+3ast, K.Vinales 13+2reb+4ast, K.Kitsing 13+1reb, T.Kurbas 9+4reb+1astgschID: 762519
Tartu Ulikool - Tarvas 84-66
There was a small surprise when tenth ranked Tartu Ulikool (9-14) defeated at home 8th ranked Tarvas (12-13) 84-66 on Wednesday. It was a great evening for the former international Kregor Hermet (205-97) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds. Robert Valge (194-97) helped adding 24 points. Forward Tormi Niits (198-98) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds and American guard Devin Harris (182-92, college: OKWU) scored 17 points. Tartu Ulikool moved-up to ninth place. Tarvas lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 13 games lost. Tartu Ulikool will face TalTech (#12) in Tallinn in the next round.
Top scorers:
Tarvas: D.Harris 17+3reb+3ast, T.Niits 16+12reb+1ast, K.Saage 13+3reb+3ast, L.Renato 8+10reb, F.Gafurov 5+4reb, E.Haller 4+9reb+2ast
Tartu Ulikool: K.Hermet 25+11reb+1ast, R.Valge 24+3reb+2ast, A.Drungilas 10+7reb+2ast, T.Sokk 8+2reb+8ast, O.Suurorg 8+2reb+2ast, H.Eelmae 4+6reb+3astgschID: 762520
Parnu - Liepaja 126-80
Seventh ranked Parnu (13-13) crushed at home 14th ranked Liepaja (4-20) by 46 points 126-80, which is the biggest margin this round on Wednesday night. Parnu dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Liepaja's 34. They shot the lights out from three sinking 16 long-distance shots on high 53.3 percentage. Parnu looked well-organized offensively handing out 39 assists comparing to just 19 passes made by Liepaja's players. Worth to mention a quality performance of Serbian Marko Stojadinovic (203-89) who helped to win the game recording 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Mart Rosenthal (194-99) helped adding 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Parnu's coach Heiko Rannula felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Serbian point guard Edi Sinadinovic (193-88, agency: BeoExcell) responded with 14 points and 9 assists and Niks Jansons (201-98) scored 17 points. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Parnu have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to sixth place. Liepaja lost tenth consecutive game. They keep the fourteenth position with 20 games lost. Parnu will have a break next round. Liepaja will play at home against LU (#13) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Liepaja: N.Jansons 17+3reb+2ast, E.Sinadinovic 14+2reb+9ast, E.Hazners 14+4reb+4ast, A.Ate 11+3reb+2ast, R.Kuze 10+7reb, P.Salmins 6+4reb+1ast
Parnu: J.Paige 20+3reb+4ast, M.Rosenthal 18+5reb+4ast, K.Lootus 17+4reb+2ast, M.Stojadinovic 17+5reb+6ast, K.Kask 12+5reb, R.Raap 12+4reb+6astgschID: 762521
VIA - TLU/Kalev 90-98
There was a minor upset in Valmiera where 10th ranked VIA (9-16) was defeated by twelfth ranked TLU/Kalev (8-16) 98-90 on Wednesday. TLU/Kalev looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. VIA was plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for forward Karl-Johan Lips (199-96) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 13 rebounds. American center Michael Buchanan (212-94, college: USC Upstate) helped adding 20 points and 11 rebounds. Valters Liepins (198-98) responded with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and guard Roberts Krastins (196-94) scored 8 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Five TLU/Kalev and four VIA players scored in double figures. TLU/Kalev have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eleventh place. Loser VIA keeps the tenth position with 16 games lost. TLU/Kalev will face higher ranked Jurmala (#7) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
VIA: V.Liepins 17+6reb+5ast, K.Dubults 14+3reb+3ast, E.Elksnis 14+1reb+6ast, K.Plavnieks 13+1reb+3ast, V.Veveris 11+4reb+2ast, R.Krastins 8+9reb+5ast
TLU/Kalev: K.Lips 22+13reb+1ast, M.Buchanan 20+11reb+2ast, R.Andre Pehka 15+2reb+4ast, K.Saks 14+2reb+1ast, M.Jurevicus 14+5reb+3ast, R.McGhee 7+2reb+4astgschID: 762522
Jurmala - Ogre 90-87
The most exciting game of round 23 in the EstLatBL took place in Jurmala. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of second-ranked Ogre (22-3) to eighth ranked Jurmala (12-10) 90-87 on Saturday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the guest team. 26 personal fouls committed by Ogre helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for forward Ervins Jonats (203-91) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Ugis Pinete (194-91) helped adding 25 points. American guard James Batemon (185-97, college: Loyola Mary) responded with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and Latvian Kaspars Berzins (213-85) scored 15 points. Four Jurmala and five Ogre players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Jurmala moved-up to seventh place. Ogre at the other side keeps the second position with three games lost. They share it with Kalev/Cramo. Jurmala are looking forward to face TLU/Kalev (#11) in Tallinn in the next round. Ogre will play at home against Kalev/Cramo (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ogre: K.Dargais 15+2reb+1ast, K.Berzins 15+4reb, R.Zebergs 13+4reb+2ast, R.Magone 12+3reb, J.Batemon 11+6reb+5ast, N.Zotovs 5+1reb+2ast
Jurmala: U.Pinete 25+2reb, E.Jonats 20+9reb+2ast, E.Jeromanovs 11+2reb+4ast, J.Grant 11+3reb, D.Vikentsyeu 8+5reb, D.Krestinin 8+5rebgschID: 762524
VIA - Ventspils 74-98
Everything went according to plan in Valmiera where fourth ranked Ventspils (20-6) outscored 10th ranked VIA (9-16) 98-74 on Saturday. Ventspils dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to VIA's 28. Ventspils forced 19 VIA turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. It was a great evening for Janis Berzins (201-93) who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. American point guard TJ Shorts (175-97, college: UC Davis) helped adding 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Shorts is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Ventspils players scored in double figures. Guard Edmunds Elksnis (188-90) responded with 17 points and 6 assists and forward Klavs Dubults (203-96) scored 14 points and 8 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. Ventspils have an impressive series of ten victories in a row. They maintain fourth place with 20-6 record. Loser VIA keeps the tenth position with 16 games lost. Ventspils will face Tarvas (#8) in Rakvere in the next round. VIA will play on the road against Rapla and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
VIA: E.Elksnis 17+3reb+6ast, K.Plavnieks 16+1reb+5ast, K.Dubults 14+8reb+1ast, V.Veveris 10+3reb, V.Liepins 8+4reb+1ast, R.Blumbergs 4+7reb+2ast
Ventspils: J.Berzins 17+8reb+6ast, K.Gluditis 16+2reb+1ast, T.Shorts 12+7reb+5ast, J.Kaufmanis 11+2reb+2ast, R.Zakis 11+4reb+4ast, K.Cavars 11+6rebgschID: 762525
TLU/Kalev - Tarvas 89-76
An interesting game took place in Tallinn where higher ranked Tarvas (12-13) were upset on the court of twelfth ranked TLU/Kalev (8-16) 89-76. TLU/Kalev dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Tarvas' 28 and made 25-of-29 charity shots (86.2 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Tarvas 45-32 including a 39-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. 27 personal fouls committed by Tarvas helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American center Michael Buchanan (212-94, college: USC Upstate) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds. Forward Karl-Johan Lips (199-96) contributed with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Four TLU/Kalev players scored in double figures. American guard Devin Harris (182-92, college: OKWU) answered with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international point guard Kristo Saage (185-85) added 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Tarvas. TLU/Kalev have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eleventh place. Tarvas lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 13 games lost. TLU/Kalev's next round opponent will be higher ranked Jurmala (#7) on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Tarvas: K.Saage 22+5reb+4ast, D.Harris 20+7reb+5ast, E.Haller 12+1reb+1ast, M.Kurg 8+2reb+1ast, T.Niits 6+8reb+1ast, L.Renato 4+3reb+2ast
TLU/Kalev: M.Buchanan 23+12reb+3ast, T.Pazera 21+7reb+4ast, K.Lips 19+13reb+1ast, R.Andre Pehka 14+1reb+2ast, M.Jurevicus 5+4ast, K.Saks 4+2reb+1astgschID: 762526
TalTech - VEF Riga 91-122
EstLatBL top team - VEF Riga (24-2) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed eleventh ranked TalTech (8-17) in Tallinn 122-91. VEF Riga shot 66.7 percent from the field. VEF Riga outrebounded TalTech 35-20 including a 28-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three nailing 19 long-distance shots on high 61.3 percentage. VEF Riga players were unselfish on offense dishing 37 assists. TalTech was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a quality performance for American forward Zach Smith (203-96, college: Texas Tech) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds (perfect from the field making all eight shots !!!). Arturs Kurucs (191-0) accounted for 22 points and 7 assists for the winning side. Swingman Oliver Metsalu (196-93) came up with 23 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Leemet Bockler (198-1) added 22 points and 4 assists respectively for TalTech in the defeat. Five VEF Riga and four TalTech players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. VEF Riga have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 24-2 record. TalTech lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the twelfth position with 17 games lost. VEF Riga will play against bottom-ranked Valga-Valka (#15) at home in the next round which should be another easy win for them. TalTech will play against Tartu Ulikool and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
TALTECH: O.Metsalu 23+5reb+4ast, L.Bockler 22+2reb+4ast, G.Arbet 20+2reb+3ast, J.Jarvelainen 16+6reb+1ast, N.Kabin 4+6ast, S.Olmre 3+1reb+3ast
VEF Riga: A.Kurucs 22+1reb+7ast, X.Thames 17+3reb+9ast, Z.Smith 17+13reb+2ast, V.Kohs 16+1reb+3ast, J.Blums 16+4ast, A.Helmanis 13+5reb+2astgschID: 762528
LU - Rapla 66-69
Thirteenth-ranked LU (6-18) gave a tough game to eighth ranked Rapla (13-12) in Riga on Sunday. The visitors from Rapla managed to secure only three-point victory 69-66. However their fans expected much easier game. Rapla dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to LU's 20. The best player for the winners was American guard Devaugntah Williams (193-94, college: Texas Tech) who scored 19 points. His fellow American import forward Montae Glenn (203-97, college: Georgia South) chipped in 13 points and 8 rebounds. Four Rapla players scored in double figures. Point guard Renars Birkans (186-97) produced 14 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Karlis Zunda (194-97) added 9 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the hosts. LU's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Rapla moved-up to fifth place. LU lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with 18 games lost. Rapla will meet at home VIA (#10) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. LU will play against Liepaja and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
LU: R.Birkans 14+9reb+4ast, E.Mezulis 11+6reb+1ast, R.Feikners 9+1reb+2ast, K.Zunda 9+7reb+2ast, A.Putans 8+2reb, A.Miska 7+2reb+4ast
Rapla: D.Williams 19+4reb+3ast, I.Kajupank 14+5reb, M.Glenn 13+8reb, P.Zalys 11+3reb+1ast, R.Laane 6+5reb+6ast, V.Iljins 4+3rebgschID: 762529
Tags : ERVINS JONATS, BK JURMALA BETSAFE, ESTONIAN BASKETBALL
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