RNBL Round 3 (Regular Season): Spars/Ventspils hand first loss to Tukums

There were just three rounds played in Regular Season of RNBL and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Tukums (1-1) on the court of Spars/Ventspils on Tuesday night. Visitors were rolled over by Spars/Ventspils 91-63. Spars/Ventspils forced 24 Tukums turnovers and outrebounded them 52-40 including 37 on the defensive glass. Spars/Ventspils looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. 30 personal fouls committed by Tukums helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for Toms Salnajs (201-2005, college: E.Arizona JC) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Jekabs Graudins (188-2009) contributed with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Power forward Ronalds Elksnis (205-1992, college: John Brown) answered with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 14 rebounds for Tukums. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Spars/Ventspils is looking forward to face Kandava on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Tukums will play against Bauska and are hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
Another interesting game for RSU/VEF (4-0) which played on the court of Limbazi (3-1). RSU/VEF had an easy win 80-66. It was a great evening for Alberts Putans (195-1998) who led his team to a victory scoring 22 points and 5 rebounds. Toms Gusarovs helped adding 14 points. The best for the losing side was Ricards Liberts (188-2005) with 15 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. RSU/VEF's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Riga Marupes.
An interesting game was also tough road defeat of Jelgava in a game versus Kekava (#8) 102-98. It was an exceptional evening for Roberts Pavlenko who led the winners and scored 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. Edgars Krumins came up with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds for Jelgava in the defeat. Jelgava's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Kekava will meet Saldus (#8) on the road in the next round. Jelgava will play against Talsi and hopes to get finally their first victory.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 3: winless Rigas Kadeti was smashed by Marupes on the road 119-74. Liepaja/LSSS lost to undefeated Bauska on its own court 87-110. Rigas BS managed to outperform Jekabpils in a road game 84-73. Talsi lost to Kandava at home 75-114. Winless Saldus were crushed by Grobina on the opponent's court 78-100.
The most impressive performance of 3rd round was 20 points and 12 rebounds by Raitis Spels of Saldus.



Spars/Ventspils - Tukums 91-63:
The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Tukums (1-1) on the court of Spars/Ventspils on Tuesday night. Visitors were rolled over by Spars/Ventspils 91-63. Spars/Ventspils forced 24 Tukums turnovers and outrebounded them 52-40 including 37 on the defensive glass. Spars/Ventspils looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. 30 personal fouls committed by Tukums helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for Toms Salnajs (201-2005, college: E.Arizona JC) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Jekabs Graudins (188-2009) contributed with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Power forward Ronalds Elksnis (205-1992, college: John Brown) answered with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 14 rebounds and Edvards Lucis (185-2000) added 11 points and 4 assists in the effort for Tukums. Both teams had four players each who 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. Spars/Ventspils is looking forward to face Kandava on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Tukums will play against Bauska and are hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Spars/Ventspils: K.Cernuho 19+2reb+1ast, T.Salnajs 18+11reb+4ast, G.Jekabs 13+8reb+5ast, R.Vitolskis 12+6reb+6ast, J.Miluzs 11, E.Sulcs 7+4reb+1ast
Tukums: K.Petersons 16+2reb, R.Elksnis 12+14reb+2ast, E.Lucis 11+4reb+4ast, S.Hlib 11+5reb, P.Dominiks 4+2reb, I.Yaroslav 4+7reb+1ast

Kekava - Jelgava 102-98:
An interesting game was also tough road defeat of Jelgava in a game versus Kekava (#8) 102-98. It was an exceptional evening for guard Roberts Pavlenko (186-2007) who led the winners and scored 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. Forward Janis Gertners (208-1999) accounted for 15 points and 14 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winning side. Swingman Edgars Krumins (196-1986) came up with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds and center Marcis Saulitis (209-1997) added 15 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Jelgava in the defeat. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Jelgava's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Kekava will meet Saldus (#8) on the road in the next round. Jelgava will play against Talsi and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Kekava: R.Porietis 24+2reb+4ast, I.Pavlenko 22+8reb, R.Pavlenko 20+8reb+5ast, J.Gertners 15+14reb+1ast, S.Kristaps 10+6reb, A.Lola 5
Jelgava: K.Edgars 21+10reb+1ast, A.Justovics 16+1reb, S.Marcis 15+7reb+1ast, K.Plavnieks 14+2reb+6ast, S.Martins 11+4reb+3ast, F.Martins 10+8reb+5ast

Marupes - Rigas Kadeti 119-74:
No shocking result in a game when Marupes (2-1) crushed at home Rigas Kadeti (0-4) 119-74 on Wednesday. Marupes dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Rigas Kadeti's 42. Marupes forced 25 Rigas Kadeti turnovers and outrebounded them 48-35 including 33 on the defensive glass. Marupes looked well-organized offensively handing out 37 assists comparing to just 14 passes made by Rigas Kadeti's players. It was an exceptional evening for forward Reinis Savickis (196) who led the winners and scored 24 points and 4 assists. Forward Markuss Berkolts (194-2007) accounted for 22 points and 6 rebounds (perfect behind the arc making all five shots) for the winning side. Five Marupes players scored in double figures. Peteris Pommers (-2011) came up with 12 points and forward Haralds Abolins (193-1993) added 11 points respectively for Rigas Kadeti in the defeat. 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. Marupes' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Riga to the arena RSU/VEF.
Top scorers:
Marupes: R.Savickis 24+4reb+4ast, M.Berkolts 22+6reb+1ast, F.Preslijs 17+5reb+3ast, T.Kvasts 13+9reb+2ast, R.Ivanovs 10+4reb+8ast, K.Kozlovs 9+6reb+3ast
Rigas Kadeti: P.Peteris 12+3reb+1ast, P.Peteris 11+3reb+1ast, A.Haralds 11+3reb+2ast, C.Regnars 8+2ast, A.Henrijs 8+2reb+1ast, R.Peteris 7+7reb

Liepaja/LSSS - Bauska 87-110:
Very expected game when Liepaja/LSSS (0-2) was smashed at home by Bauska (2-0) 110-87 on Thursday. Bauska forced 22 Liepaja/LSSS turnovers. It was an exceptional evening for forward Gundars Bricka (195-1989) who led the winners and scored 22 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 7 steals. point guard Martins Krumins (194-2001) accounted for 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side. point guard Edvards Jonaitis (164-2008) came up with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and Matiss Ozolins-Pese (190-2008) added 15 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) respectively for Liepaja/LSSS in the defeat. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. 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. Bauska will meet Tukums (#6) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Liepaja/LSSS will play against Grobina and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Bauska: G.Bricka 22+6reb+7ast, N.Zotovs 18+1reb+3ast, M.Krumins 15+6reb+5ast, I.Viktors 13+10reb+1ast, J.Vilcans 12+4reb, Z.Ivars 9+6reb+1ast
Liepaja/LSSS: J.Edvards 17+5reb+4ast, O.Matiss 15+4reb+3ast, L.Raivo 13+1reb+1ast, I.Jekabs 11+4reb+5ast, P.Kristaps 10+5reb+2ast, C.Mikus 9+3reb+2ast

Limbazi - RSU/VEF 66-80:
Another interesting game for RSU/VEF (4-0) which played on the court of Limbazi (3-1). RSU/VEF had an easy win 80-66. RSU/VEF forced 21 Limbazi turnovers. It was a great evening for Alberts Putans (195-1998) who led his team to a victory scoring 22 points and 5 rebounds. point guard Toms Gusarovs (192-2007) helped adding 14 points. Four RSU/VEF players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Ricards Liberts (188-2005) with 15 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) and forward Miks Antoms (203-1997, college: Maine) scored 7 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. RSU/VEF's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Riga Marupes.
Top scorers:
RSU/VEF: A.Putans 22+5reb+3ast, T.Gusarovs 14+3reb+2ast, A.Ralfs 11+4reb, R.Fortins 10+4reb, R.Racenajs 9+8reb+1ast, A.Kivlenieks 6+3reb
Limbazi: L.Ricards 15+6reb+1ast, E.Elksnis 10+4reb+1ast, S.Valdis 9+3reb, T.Upe 7+4reb, A.Miks 7+7reb+1ast, K.Rudolfs 5+2reb+1ast

Jekabpils - Rigas BS 73-84:
Rather predictable result when Rigas BS (2-1) won against on the road Jekabpils (0-3) 84-73 on Thursday. Rigas BS looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was an exceptional evening for Martins Lacis who led the winners and scored 14 points and 6 rebounds. Forward Henrijs Grafs (199-2008) accounted for 11 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. point guard Matiss Indriksons (189-2001, agency: Starting 5) came up with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Niklavs Vanags (195-2003) added 14 points and 9 rebounds respectively for Jekabpils in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Rigas BS will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Jekabpils will play against Rigas Kadeti (#11) and look forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Rigas BS: M.Rancans 17+3reb+1ast, M.Lacis 14+6reb+3ast, R.Timenieks 14+1reb+3ast, H.Grafs 11+8reb+3ast, L.Papans 10+4reb+3ast, E.Briekmanis 7+6reb+9ast
Jekabpils: M.Indriksons 17+5reb+4ast, V.Niklavs 14+9reb+1ast, P.Gatis 12+4reb+1ast, E.Kristers 10+10reb+2ast, P.Kristaps 5+9reb+1ast, C.Edgars 5+4reb+1ast

Talsi - Kandava 75-114:
Not a big story in a game when Talsi (0-2) was outscored at home by Kandava (2-0) 114-75 on Friday. Kandava dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Talsi's 28. They outrebounded Talsi 62-27 including a 19-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. Kandava looked well-organized offensively handing out 34 assists comparing to just 18 passes made by Talsi's players. It was an exceptional evening for Eduards Avotins (198-2001) who led the winners and scored 28 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). Guard Arturs Grinbergs (190-1996) accounted for 16 points and 6 assists for the winning side. Guard Renars Simpermanis (203-2003) came up with 11 points and 7 rebounds and guard Karlis Roderis-Roderts (185-2007) added 18 points respectively for Talsi in the defeat. 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. Kandava will meet at home Spars/Ventspils (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Talsi will play against Jelgava (#7) and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Kandava: E.Avotins 28+3reb+3ast, A.Grinbergs 16+3reb+6ast, S.Davis 13+5reb+4ast, M.Mamajs 12+2reb+3ast, K.Maura 10+5reb, M.Abolins 8+11reb+2ast
Talsi: R.Karlis 18+3reb, T.Tailers 12+3reb+4ast, S.Renars 11+7reb+3ast, V.Marcis 8+1reb, G.Edvards 7+1reb, D.Kristers 6+1reb+8ast

Grobina - Saldus 100-78:
We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when Grobina (1-1) outplayed at home Saldus (0-1) 100-78 on Wednesday. Grobina looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. It was an exceptional evening for point guard Arnis Ate (182-1994) who led the winners and scored 24 points and 4 assists. point guard Gustavs Arajs (169-2006) accounted for 15 points and 6 assists for the winning side. Forward Raitis Spels (196-2006) came up with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds and point guard Kristers Kekis (190-2001) added 16 points and 4 assists respectively for Saldus in the defeat. 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. Grobina will meet Liepaja/LSSS (#9) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Saldus will play against Kekava and look forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Grobina: A.Arnis 24+2reb+4ast, G.Arajs 15+1reb+6ast, D.Tupalo 10+3reb+4ast, V.Birsans 9, K.Bumbulis 9+7reb+2ast, M.Mizens 8+2reb+1ast
Saldus: S.Raitis 20+12reb+1ast, K.Kristers 16+3reb+4ast, K.Reinis 9+4reb+2ast, G.Henrijs 8+1reb, K.Emils 7+2reb+2ast, B.Kaspars 6+6reb+2ast