Riga Zelli Win at Burgos in EuroCup as Coach Credits Defence

Riga basketball club Rīgas Zeļļi won 79-71 away at San Pablo Burgos in Spain on 28 October, in a Group A game of the EuroCup, Europe's second-tier club basketball competition. It was the Latvian side's first away win of the season, and it keeps the team in the upper part of the group table.

Defence as the foundation

Head coach Roks Kondratavičs said after the game that Riga controlled the contest with its defence, and that once the team began hitting shots in the second half, the game became easier. He believes defence is the key to all of the team's wins and stressed that Zelli took charge of the physical side of the game.

Riga made ten steals, with at least one coming from each of six different players. The hosts were forced into 17 turnovers, which the visitors turned into 16 points.

Top scorers and player comments

Forward Ivans Tkačenko and Martins Varns each scored 15 points, while Ben Shungu added 13 points and seven assists. Tkačenko called the victory very important and said the team put a lot of energy into defence, playing sharply and setting the tone.

Standings

After five rounds, Zelli have three wins and two losses and sit fourth in Group A. Aris from Thessaloniki and Hapoel Jerusalem lead with 5-0, while Burgos, with one win, are sixth. Zelli's next game is at home against Le Mans on 4 November.