Valmiera Glass VIA secured a historic victory in the Latvian-Estonian Basketball League (LIBL) finals, defeating Tartu Ülikool Maks & Moorits 100-95 on April 8, 2026, to claim their first-ever LIBL title. The win capped a remarkable season for the Latvian side, which had already won the Latvian Cup in February.
The game, played in Tartu, Estonia, was a tightly contested affair that remained undecided until the final seconds. Valmiera Glass VIA led for much of the contest but faced a late surge from the home team, forcing the outcome to be decided in the closing moments.
Anivaniva Teits-Džounss led all scorers with 27 points, earning recognition as the game’s most valuable player. He as well contributed 13 rebounds and five assists, delivering crucial baskets in the final minute to seal the win. His performance included two free throws with 12 seconds remaining that extended Valmiera’s lead to four points, a margin Tartu could not overcome.
Dominiks Steponis added 26 points and seven assists, while Artis Ate recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Endijs Pēkars contributed 17 points off the bench, providing valuable depth for the winning squad.
For Tartu, Brīss Makbraids led the scoring with 25 points. Karl Johan Lipss, named the tournament’s most valuable player during the regular season, finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Verners Kohs added 14 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in a strong effort despite the loss.
The victory marked Valmiera Glass VIA’s second trophy of the season, following their Latvian Cup triumph in February. Head coach Kaspars Vecvagars praised his team’s resilience, particularly their ability to withstand Tartu’s late rally and execute under pressure.
The game’s quarter-by-quarter progression showed Valmiera Glass VIA’s consistency: they led 26-26 after the first quarter, extended their advantage to 55-43 at halftime, held a 77-77 tie entering the fourth quarter, and ultimately pulled away in the final period with a 23-18 edge.
Tartu had entered the finals as regular season champions, making Valmiera Glass VIA’s win even more significant as they defeated the league’s top team in the championship series. The triumph represented a breakthrough for the Valmiera-based program, which had previously fallen short in title pursuits.
With the LIBL championship secured, Valmiera Glass VIA now turns its focus to upcoming competitions, including potential participation in European tournaments for which they may have qualified through their domestic success.
What are your thoughts on Valmiera Glass VIA’s historic LIBL championship win? Share your reaction in the comments below and let us know how you consider this victory will impact the team’s future prospects.
