The so called ‘little final’ came without a real certainty about the winner of this game. Both teams matched pretty evenly against each other in practically all positions. The rivals had obvious problems in their yesterday’s losses to Lietuvos Rytas and Zalgiris. Ventspils displayed poor defense, which was no match to the offensive machinery of Lietuvos Rytas. Siauliai, on the other hand, had an extremely bad start of the game against Zalgiris. The result of this game was likely to be determined by how both teams would cope with the unpleasant experience to improve their performance.
Siaulai were off to a quick start 5:2. While Siaulai played fast basketball, Ventspils had problems with their tempo. Ventspils were slightly better in the post, though, and closed up 7:8 after a great combination with Helmanis in the peak. Pakamanis was a constant threat to Ventspils defense. Both team managed to stay close to each other 12:13. While Ventspils were able to get to front 18:17, it was obvious that they had tangible problems with turnovers. Without Helmanis’ success from behind the arc, it would be complicated for Ventspils to maintain their lead 21:20. Pakamanis continued to display wit and aptitude at the offensive end. Mostly due to his agility, Siauliai were able to finish the first quarter in their favour 27:24. Both opponents had problems with scoring in the beginning of the second quarter. Ventspils were the first to break the disturbing silence. Shannon and Helmanis plugged in some to force the score 32:28. Veselovs started to be increasingly active in the paint; Ventspils widened the difference to 39:33.
Siauliai zone defense did not bring them any good; Vitols finished both in traffic and from distance to maintain 6-point margin 45:39. This was probably emphasized with Pakamanis’ flagrant foul in the 6th minute. It was self-evident that Ventspils were stronger in the post; Cipruss and Veselovs rebounded to first take their lead in double digits 49:39. The teams maintained their positions in the third quarter. Helmains made few defensive stops and Pakamanis continued to contribute to the Siauliai score pile. Although Ventspils and Siauliai did not make changes in the difference on the scoreboard, the Latvian team managed to maintain a notable lead 61:53. Ventspils collective defense worked well against Siauliai offensive effort. This cha6nged. After Cipruss commited a turnover, Siauliai felt the taste of blood to catch up 61:58, obliging Ventspils head coach Muiznieks to use his rights for a time-out. This did improve Latvian prospects, since Klimavicius started to hit his looks around the basket. Soon Ventspils future looked grim, as Siauliai commenced to played inspired ball 61:65. Ruikis put the cherry on the top to end the quarter 65:69. Rivals exchanged with three-pointers in the dawn of the deciding quarter to make the score 71:78. The teams actually compiled 6 (!) 3-pointers in a row. Ventspils tried to increase the tempo, and it brought crops. Gabrans finished in traffic to diminish the gap within a hand reach 78:81. Soon it was 81:81. This was the real challenge for the Siaulai squad: whether they would be able to get back up. They just could not deal with it: Love and Helmanis connected for a 7-0 run for the Latvians, urging Siaulai coaching staff to take a timeout with 2:47 left on the clock and 88-81 on the scoreboard. Ruikis potted a three-pointer for 92-85, but it was too late. Ventspils kept their advantage till the end. Ending score – 94:88
Top Scorers:
Ventspils: Helmanis 19
Siauliai: Pakamanis 24
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