On Tuesday, April 9, in the first game of the semi-final series of the Pafbet Latvian – Estonian Basketball League, BK “Ventspils” in Tallinn lost to the winners of the main tournament “Kalev/Cramo” (65:91). On Wednesday, April 10, “BC Prometey” beat “VEF Riga” (76:66). Teams fight in series up to two wins. Return matches on April 12 and 14 in Ventspils and Riga, respectively.
“Kalev/Cramo” (29-1) – BK “Ventspils” (20-10) 91:65 (30:21, 49:43, 66:50). 1:0 in the series
The stability of success for the Estonian champion team throughout the season has been ensured by the diverse and effective attack. The Ventspils team failed to stop it in this match as well. In the first half, the visitors responded to the home team’s goals with their own success, maintaining the intrigue. However, by the middle of the second half, “Kalev/Cramo” secured the decisive lead.
Much more accurate long shots for the home team (11/23 – 5/33).
For the winners, Manny Suarez scored 20 points and won 10 balls, Ben Shungu 20, Lemet Beckler 16, Severi Kaukiainen.
For BK Ventspils, Linards Jaunzems scored 15 points and won 12 balls, Ronalds Zaķis 15.
The second game will be played on April 12 in Ventspils, and if necessary, the third game will be played on April 16 in Tallinn
“BC Prometey” (26-4) – “VEF Riga” (24-6) 76:66 (19:17, 41:35, 61:49). 1:0 in the series
Eight players remained in the injury-thinned “VEF Rīga” squad, and this affected the team’s tactics – zone defense was basically used in defense. It opened up some opportunities for BC Prometey’s long shots, which at least in the first half were not very accurate (4/17 – 4/12). The conditional home team only managed to make a breakthrough at the beginning of the second quarter, reaching 30:17 and 38:23 from 19:17. However, before the big break, the people of Riga reduced the deficit again and restored the balance in the 25th minute (45:45).
The outcome of the game was decided by “Prometey”‘s next breakthrough (56:45, 61:49). “VEF Riga” got closer than -7 only 70 seconds before the end (72:66).
Throughout the game, the Riga players attacked better from afar (6/26 – 9/25), but made more mistakes (10-17).
For BC Prometey, Ilya Sidorov scored 15 points (3p. 5/8), Tai Odiase 15, Vyacheslav Bobrov 12.
“VEF Riga” Sean Pipes scored 23 points and made 8 assists, Māris Gulbis 14, Gregs Whittingtons 12, Roberts Blums 10.
Second match on Sunday 14th April at Rimi Olympic Centre, third match on 17th April if necessary.
