Latvia Aldaris LBL Tips Off with Four Games
The Latvia Aldaris LBL opened the 2014-15 season with four games much to the delight of the local basketball fans. The 11-team league got the action going with a good game between BK Barons Kvartals Riga and Latvijas Universitate, with the Barons taking the game 77-70. It marked the return of Kaspars Kambala to the league. Despite missing the preseason he still managed to turn in 18 points. The top scorer for the Barons was young guard Arturs Bricis who came up with 22 points. LU took an early lead in the game, but a strong third quarter allowed the Barons to take advantage and pull ahead. Renars Magone led LU with 13 points.
BK Valmiera vs. BK Jekabpils, 90-89
This was a close game from start to finish with neither team allowing their opponent any distinct edge. Valmiera led with a three-point lead at the end of the first quarter, and even increased their lead up to five points by halftime. Jekabpils displayed their determination and came back strong after the break, taking the lead towards the end of regulation. Valmiera’s Marcis Vitols scored a key basket with five seconds left in overtime to edge Jekabils. He finished the game with 14 points. His teammate Karlis Apsitis had a game-high 26 points. Jakabpils was led by Pavels Veselovs with 22 points and Rinalds Sirsnins with 19.
Jurmalas Sports/Fenikss vs. Liepaja/Triobet, 61-66
Liepaja/Triobet sealed this victory in the third quarter, demolishing Jurmala 7-17. It was the turning point of the match and Jurmala could not recover their form in the final frame. Liepaja’s balanced attack and good ball movement made the difference in this encounter. Janis Antrops led them with 15 points. Jurmala’s Edgars Jeromanovs matched his output with 15 points of his own.
BK Jelgava vs. VEF Riga, 55-88
This was an easy win for VEF Riga. The three-time Latvian league champions cruised to victory in this contest. After claiming the title in 2011, 2012, and 2013, VEF Riga is looking to bring back its glory days of old and they look like they’ve started this season on track for a strong comeback campaign. They led from the beginning, but a 7-23 explosive second quarter allowed them to amass a staggering lead. They kept control of the game even after coming from the halftime break and sealed the win as early as the third quarter. Janis Timma was excellent for VEF Riga with 20 points. Jelgava leaned on Kristaps Plavnieks’ 17 points, but it was not enough to counter VEF Riga.