Ausējs and Karlsons hit six three-pointers each as Ventspils tops 100 points in Mārupe

Latvian vice-champions Ventspils claimed their first win of the season on Monday evening at the Mārupe sports centre, defeating Latvia University 108:92 in a Latvian-Estonian basketball league matchup. Ventspils played without American import Ronnie Degray, who picked up an injury in Valmiera, and again without Edvards Mežulis.

Three-point show from Ausējs and Karlsons

Veteran guard Artūrs Ausējs was the main driver behind the win, making six of eight three-point attempts and finishing with 27 points and five assists. Kristofers Karlsons added 20 points, also hitting six long-range shots from nine attempts. No other Ventspils player scored a three-pointer.

For Latvia University, American forward Pídžejs Heiss was the most productive, bouncing back from a quiet season opener to score 24 points, making five of ten three-point attempts. Ļevs Koševackis followed with 19 points, and Veins Makkinijs added 18.

Game flow

The first quarter was close, with Ventspils ahead 27:24 after ten minutes. In the second quarter, Ausējs kept punishing defensive lapses from beyond the arc, and Ventspils led 53:43 at halftime. In the third quarter, after Karlsons hit two consecutive three-pointers, Ventspils' lead grew past 20 points, reaching 87:65 heading into the final quarter. Ventspils crossed the 100-point mark late in the game, with the match ending 108:92.

Ventspils will next play at home on Friday against Estonian champions Tartu University, while Latvia University face Rīgas Ekselences Juniori on Thursday as they look for their first win of the season.