In the fight between the champions of both countries, “VEF Rīga” on Friday defeated “Kalev / Cramo” basketball players at home in the first game of the Latvian-Estonian basketball league with 86:84.
Kristers Zoriks scored 19 points for the winners, while Devondrik Volkers added 15 points. “Kalev / Cramo” was deviated by Devion Bary.
In the first half, “VEF Rīga” gained a 20-point lead, but in the second half of the game, the guests renewed their intrigue and reached a draw in the penultimate minute. In the decisive episodes, however, the hosts of the field played colder, starting the season with victory.
Fast action in the attack and accurate long shots helped VEF Riga to gain an eight-point lead in seven and a half minutes (24:16). In turn, the guests ‘attempts to attack from a distance after the VEF Rīga players’ retaliation were inaccurate and in the first break the owners of the field went with a nine-point lead (28:19).
Also in the continuation of the first half, the attacks of the Estonian team got stuck in the defense of the home team, while “VEF Rīga” gained the advantage in the quick attacks, after Ronald Curry’s shot from the bottom of the basket, reaching 42:22. Kalev / Cramo made 18 three-point shots at halftime, of which only four were hit. During the long break, “VEF Rīga” went with a 17-point lead (48:31).
Interview with Krister Zorik
Zoriks, who scored eight points at halftime, admitted in an interview with Latvian Television that the team started the game well, but he expressed confidence that the continuation of the fight will not be so easy. Zoriks called keeping the pace and better performance in the fight for rebounds an important task for the team.
Interview with Axel Shield
Akselis Vairogs, assistant coach of “Kalev / Cramo”, emphasized that the Estonian team must play more aggressively in the continuation of the match and need a different attitude in the second half, because they cannot rely only on the mistakes of their opponents.
Interview with Dave Choder
“VEF Rīga” assistant coach Dāvis Čoders, meanwhile, pointed out that the team must continue to fight in defense and better control the rebounds near their basket.
By restarting the game, Kalev / Cramo managed to intensify the fight and break the gap to seven points in seven minutes (55:62). At home’s nervous end of the third quarter, Jelly Reilley’s three-point shot allowed him to regain a nine-point lead (70:61).
Kalev / Cramo continued to chase in the last quarter with good defense and effective action in the attack, and three minutes before the end of the regular time, the dominance of the home team fell to a minimum (76:75). The guests were free throws from the bottom of the basket and a minute and a half before the end of the game the whistles reached an equalization (79:79).
Zorika’s successful pass and Karija’s quick counter-attack at the end of the game, however, allowed the “VEF Rīga” basketball players to celebrate the victory.
Interview with Devondrik Volker
After the game, Volker said in an interview on Latvian Television that this is basketball, which lasts 40 minutes, so a big advantage in the first half does not mean anything yet. Volker emphasized that “VEF Rīga” had no doubts about the determined mood of the opponents in the second half.
Interview with Ojārs Siliņš
Ojārs Siliņš, who scored three points for the Estonian team, admitted that “Kalev / Cramo” started the match terribly, and this is confirmed by the 28 points scored in the first quarter, which caused problems for the whole game. Siliņš sees the need to progress both for himself and for the whole team.
Interview with Jānis Gailīte
“VEF Rīga” head coach Jānis Gailītis criticized the winners after the match for a slower game after gaining an advantage, which the opponent used. Gailitis expects that “VEF Rīga” will play more of its game, so much despite the result. The events on the field confirmed that a slow game is not convenient for “VEF Riga”, Gailitis added.
Interview with Robert Schtelmaher before the game
“Kalev / Cramo” head coach Roberts Štelmahers said before the game in an interview on Latvian Television that each opponent is different and the team must be able to adjust its strengths against each competitor. He also emphasized that “VEF Riga” should not be given the opportunity to gain quick points in attacks.
Interview with Gati Jahovič
In an interview with Latvian Television, Gatis Jahovičs, President of VEF Rīga, rejoiced at the real atmosphere of basketball in the fan-filled grandstands at the Olympic Sports Center. He also explained the change in the composition of the legionnaires, acknowledging that a club of foreign basketball players who have played well this season can no longer afford it, but after a mediocre or bad season for a player, the club itself usually no longer wants to continue cooperation.
Estonia is represented in the tournament by eight clubs, but Latvia – by six units. Besides “VEF Rīga”, BC “Liepāja”, BC “Ogre”, BC “Ventspils”, “University of Latvia” and “Valmiera Glass / ViA” also play.
BC “Ventspils” beats Rakvere “Tarvas” basketball players
BC “Ventspils” started the season with victory on Friday, defeating Rakvere “Tarvas” basketball players at home with 89:67.
In the regular season, 14 teams will play two laps until March 20. The eight best teams will advance to the quarterfinals, but the winner will be determined in the final four tournament.
Highlight text and press Ctrl+Enterto send the text to be edited!
Highlight text and press Report a bug buttons to send the text to be edited!
