RNBL Round 5 (Regular Season): Bauska loses to Kandava

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Bauska (3-1) at the home court on Thursday night. Hosts were defeated by Kandava (4-0) 110-92. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Bauska. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Kandava shot 25 for 37 from the free-throw line, while Bauska only scored eight points from the stripe. Strangely Bauska outrebounded Kandava 50-34 including 17 on the offensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. 27 personal fouls committed by Bauska helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was guard Markuss Mamajs (180-2004) who had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Guntars Strakis (188-1990) chipped in 20 points and 4 assists. Forward Ivars Zemitis (195-1990) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 14 rebounds for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kandava have a solid series of four victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader. Bauska at the other side dropped to the second place with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Kandava are looking forward to face Liepaja/LSSS (#10) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Bauska will play against Jelgava (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Talsi can celebrate their first win this season after three consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Saldus (1-2) 127-124. Point guard Tailers Tigers (177-2007) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 assists. Markuss Akmenlauks contributed with 23 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. point guard Kristers Kekis (190-2001) answered with 24 points and 7 assists for Saldus. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Talsi (1-3) left bottom position moving up to eighth place, which they share with Jekabpils and Kekava. Saldus at the other side dropped to the seventh position with two games lost. They share it with Salaspils. Talsi will play against Kekava (#8) on the road in the next round. Saldus will play against Spars/Ventspils and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Salaspils can celebrate their first win this season after two consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Bertanu (0-3) 94-88 on Monday. Davis Klegeris stepped up and scored 43 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds for the winners. Rihards Cernevskis responded with 27 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Salaspils (1-2) left bottom position moving up to seventh place, which they share with Saldus. It was Bertanu's third loss in a row. They still close the standings with three games lost. Salaspils will meet higher ranked Gulbenes Buki (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Bertanu will play against Marupes (#6) and hopes to get finally their first victory.

Other games of round 5 were very predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Jelgava crushed Spars/Ventspils in a road game 108-76. Rigas BS smashed Rigas Kadeti at home 111-85. Winless Bertanu lost to Limbazi on the opponent's court 69-74. Grobina managed to outperform Kekava in a home game 90-86. Tukums managed to beat Liepaja/LSSS on the road 85-79.



Spars/Ventspils - Jelgava 76-108:
We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 4th placed Spars/Ventspils (2-2) were crushed at home by fifth ranked Jelgava (2-1) 108-76 on Tuesday. Jelgava dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Spars/Ventspils' 30 and made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. Jelgava had a 37-24 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Spars/Ventspils' players. Point guard Kristaps Plavnieks (183-1995) stepped up and scored 17 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners and swingman Edgars Krumins (196-1986) chipped in 24 points. Guard Jekabs Graudins (188-2009) responded with 17 points and Toms Salnajs (201-2005, college: E.Arizona JC) scored 10 points and 6 rebounds. Five Jelgava and four Spars/Ventspils players scored in double figures. Spars/Ventspils' coach gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Jelgava moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Gulbenes Buki. Loser Spars/Ventspils dropped to the fifth position with two games lost. They share it with Tukums and Marupes. Jelgava will meet at home league's second-placed Bauska in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Spars/Ventspils will play against Saldus and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Jelgava: K.Edgars 24+4reb+2ast, M.Feldmanis 19+2reb+8ast, P.Kristaps 17+6reb+8ast, U.Feldmanis 15+5reb+5ast, M.Saulitis 14+11reb, A.Ginters 9+6reb+4ast
Spars/Ventspils: J.Graudins 17+4reb+3ast, S.Emils 11+3reb, R.Renars 10+6reb, S.Toms 10+6reb+2ast, V.Ricards 8+3reb+7ast, C.Klavs 7+3reb+2ast

Rigas BS - Rigas Kadeti 111-85:
No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked Rigas BS (3-1) smashed at home bottom-ranked Rigas Kadeti (0-6) 111-85 on Wednesday. Rigas BS dominated down low during the game scoring 80 of its points in the paint compared to Rigas Kadeti's 56. Rigas BS forced 34 Rigas Kadeti turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Guard Leonards Papans (183-2009) stepped up and scored 20 points for the winners and Ralfs Valenieks chipped in 18 points and 4 assists. Five Rigas BS players scored in double figures. Guard Norberts Freimanis (170-2010) responded with 17 points and 6 rebounds and Niks Mass (-2011) scored 15 points and 6 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Rigas BS have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Rigas Kadeti still closes the standings with six games lost. Rigas BS's 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:
Rigas BS: L.Papans 20+4reb+3ast, R.Valenieks 18+3reb+4ast, E.Briekmanis 11+6reb+6ast, M.Lacis 10+4reb+3ast, E.Kalnins 10+3reb, H.Grafs 10+9reb+1ast
Rigas Kadeti: F.Norberts 17+6reb+1ast, M.Niks 15+6reb+1ast, R.Peteris 12+7reb+2ast, V.Adrians 9+3reb+5ast, C.Regnars 7+3reb+3ast, B.Emils 6

Bauska - Kandava 92-110:
The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Bauska (3-1) at the home court on Thursday night. Hosts were defeated by Kandava (4-0) 110-92. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Bauska. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Kandava shot 25 for 37 from the free-throw line, while Bauska only scored eight points from the stripe. Strangely Bauska outrebounded Kandava 50-34 including 17 on the offensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. 27 personal fouls committed by Bauska helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was guard Markuss Mamajs (180-2004) who had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Guntars Strakis (188-1990) chipped in 20 points and 4 assists. Forward Ivars Zemitis (195-1990) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 14 rebounds and point guard Nikolajs Zotovs (190-1998) added 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals respectively for the hosts. Five Kandava and four Bauska players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kandava have a solid series of four victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader. Bauska at the other side dropped to the second place with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Kandava are looking forward to face Liepaja/LSSS (#10) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Bauska will play against Jelgava (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kandava: G.Strakis 20+4reb+4ast, M.Mamajs 19+10reb+2ast, E.Avotins 17+3reb+3ast, S.Davis 16+3reb+1ast, A.Grinbergs 15+4reb+5ast, M.Zviedris 11+2reb+1ast
Bauska: Z.Nikolajs 20+6reb+4ast, I.Zemitis 16+14reb+2ast, B.Nauris 15+4reb+2ast, B.Gundars 13+7reb+1ast, V.Janis 9+6reb, K.Martins 6+2reb+5ast

Limbazi - Bertanu 74-69:
Very expected game when bottom-ranked Bertanu (0-3) was defeated on the road by fourth ranked Limbazi (4-2) 74-69 on Friday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Point guard Toms Upe (189-1998) stepped up and scored 21 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and forward Kristers Elmanis (197-2005) chipped in 12 points and 10 rebounds. Four Limbazi players scored in double figures. Markuss Toms (198-2007) responded with 24 points and 7 rebounds and guard Nils Krastins (188-2009) scored 13 points and 5 rebounds. Bertanu's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Limbazi moved-up to second place. Loser Bertanu still closes the standings with three games lost. Limbazi will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Bertanu will play against Marupes (#6) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Limbazi: U.Toms 21+5reb, A.Dambenieks 12+4reb, K.Elmanis 12+10reb+2ast, R.Liberts 11+9reb+2ast, R.Kristapsons 9+4reb+1ast, V.Cirulis 9+6reb
Bertanu: T.Markuss 24+7reb+3ast, N.Krastins 13+5reb+3ast, A.Karlis 10+7reb, R.Cernevskis 8+5reb+2ast, G.Marks 7+3reb, K.Rodrigo 5+3reb

Talsi - Saldus 127-124:
Talsi can celebrate their first win this season after three consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Saldus (1-2) 127-124. Talsi made 38-of-49 charity shots (77.6 percent) during the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. Saldus were plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. Point guard Tailers Tigers (177-2007) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 assists. Swingman Markuss Akmenlauks (189-2007) contributed with 23 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. point guard Kristers Kekis (190-2001) answered with 24 points and 7 assists and forward Raitis Spels (196-2006) added 25 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Saldus. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Talsi (1-3) left bottom position moving up to eighth place, which they share with Jekabpils and Kekava. Saldus at the other side dropped to the seventh position with two games lost. They share it with Salaspils. Talsi will play against Kekava (#8) on the road in the next round. Saldus will play against Spars/Ventspils and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Talsi: M.Akmenlauks 23+7reb+2ast, K.Roderis-Roderts 22+3reb+2ast, K.Donins 21+2reb+3ast, T.Tigers 21+3reb+11ast, R.Simpermanis 14+7reb+2ast, K.Snikvalds 11+4reb+2ast
Saldus: S.Raitis 25+7reb+3ast, K.Kristers 24+4reb+7ast, B.Kaspars 21+3reb+5ast, K.Reinis 15+11reb+2ast, R.Roberts 10+2reb+3ast, B.Lauris 9+1reb+1ast

Grobina - Kekava 90-86:
Very predictable result when third ranked Grobina (3-1) beat at home 8th ranked Kekava (1-3) 90-86 on Saturday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Grobina forced 21 Kekava turnovers. Estonian guard Kristaps Miglinieks (196-1990) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 15 rebounds for the winners and Dmitro Tupalo chipped in 21 points and 4 assists. Grobina's coach used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Guard Roberts Porietis (182-2005) responded with 23 points and 9 rebounds and forward Ricards Mugurevics (201-1999) scored 18 points and 9 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Grobina have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Kekava keeps the eighth position with three games lost. They share it with Talsi and Jekabpils. Grobina will meet Tukums (#6) on the road in the next round. Kekava will play against Talsi and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Grobina: M.Kristaps 27+15reb+1ast, D.Tupalo 21+4reb+4ast, G.Arajs 12+2reb+5ast, A.Arnis 12+4reb+4ast, E.Viksna 8+5reb+2ast, A.Korps 4+2reb
Kekava: P.Roberts 23+9reb+2ast, M.Ricards 18+9reb, P.Inguss 17+6reb+2ast, O.Rihards 10+2reb+1ast, P.Roberts 9+1reb, G.Janis 4+7reb

Liepaja/LSSS - Tukums 79-85:
Not a big story in a game when bottom-ranked Liepaja/LSSS (0-4) was defeated at home by seventh ranked Tukums (2-2) 85-79 on Saturday. Tukums outrebounded Liepaja/LSSS 59-34 including a 25-9 advantage in offensive rebounds. Ukrainian Yaroslav Ivanov (-2005) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 14 rebounds for the winners and Edvards Lucis (185-2000) chipped in 25 points and 5 steals. Tukums' coach used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Jekabs Ivanovskis (-2009) responded with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and Davis Tumsevics (-2008) scored 11 points and 7 rebounds. Four Liepaja/LSSS players scored in double figures. Tukums moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Spars/Ventspils and Marupes. Loser Liepaja/LSSS still closes the standings with four games lost. Tukums will meet at home higher ranked Grobina (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Liepaja/LSSS will play against the league's leader Kandava (#1) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Tukums: L.Edvards 25+4reb+1ast, Y.Ivanov 23+14reb+1ast, E.Ronalds 16+10reb+2ast, R.Zarins 7+8reb+2ast, K.Horeliks 4+6reb+1ast, R.Martins 4+5reb+1ast
Liepaja/LSSS: L.Raivo 16+2reb+2ast, I.Jekabs 14+6reb+4ast, J.Edvards 12+5reb+2ast, T.Davis 11+7reb+3ast, P.Kristaps 9+3reb, J.Kalejs 5+1reb

Salaspils - Bertanu 94-88:
Salaspils can celebrate their first win this season after two consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Bertanu (0-3) 94-88 on Monday. Salaspils made 21-of-27 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. Salaspils outrebounded Bertanu 50-26 including a 19-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. Guard Davis Klegeris (185-1997) stepped up and scored 43 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds for the winners and guard Reinis Otersons (203-2000) chipped in 14 points and 9 rebounds. Forward Rihards Cernevskis (196-2008) responded with 27 points and Rolands Lavrinovics (177-2008) scored 23 points. Four Bertanu players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Salaspils (1-2) left bottom position moving up to seventh place, which they share with Saldus. It was Bertanu's third loss in a row. They still close the standings with three games lost. Salaspils will meet higher ranked Gulbenes Buki (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Bertanu will play against Marupes (#6) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Salaspils: K.Davis 43+8reb, R.Otersons 14+9reb+2ast, S.Norberts 12+6reb+4ast, K.Cavars 8+6reb+3ast, K.Armanovs 7+4reb+2ast, K.Toms 5+7reb+3ast
Bertanu: R.Cernevskis 27+2reb+2ast, L.Rolands 23+1reb+2ast, T.Markuss 13+2reb+1ast, N.Krastins 13+5reb+4ast, K.Rodrigo 9+4reb+2ast, G.Marks 2+4reb+2ast