Ventspils pulls away from Liepāja in final quarter
In a basketball warm-up match, Ventspils broke away in the final quarter to beat Liepāja 86:68. Ronijs Degreijs led the winners with 19 points.
Basketball club Ventspils defeated Liepāja 86:68 at home in the latest pre-season exhibition match.
Liepāja started stronger, with Rodijs Mačoha driving the offense and helping his team lead 22:20 after the first quarter. In the second quarter, an unfortunate collision occurred when Mačoha crashed into Ventspils player Edvards Mežulis and was injured, forcing him to go to hospital for stitches. Meanwhile, Ventspils' Ronijs Degreijs was the top scorer of the first half with ten points, helping the home team head into the break leading 48:42.
The third quarter was closely contested, with Ventspils leading 65:62 heading into the final period. However, in the last ten minutes, the team coached by Gints Fogels took full control of the game, pulling sharply ahead and finishing with a score of 86:68.
Top scorers
Ventspils' win was built on Ronijs Degreijs' 19 points. Ukrainian center Bogdans Briņuks added 13 points, while Romels Mansels recorded a double-double with ten points, ten rebounds and six assists. Recently signed Rolands Zaķis contributed four points and three rebounds in under 13 minutes on the court.
For Liepāja, American guard Julian Bryant top-scored with 20 points. Edgars Lasenbergs added 11 points, while Mačoha had scored ten points before his injury ended his game.
Both teams continue their pre-season schedule — Ventspils will next face Ogre, while Liepāja will play Olimpas.
