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"TTT Riga" wins thriller to claim first "Top 6" win

15.01.2014
"TTT Riga" guard Baiba Eglite. Photo: Romualds Vambuts

Wednesday, January 15, marked the start of the long awaited Nordea Basketball league "Top 6" tournament. Twelve time Latvian champions "TTT Riga" (1-0) battled with the young and ambitious "RSU/Merks" squad (0-1), in the final five minutes made a 15-4 run and sealed the game.

 

TTT players grabbed 14 offensive rebounds in the first half alone, laying foundation for future success. They made nine more field goal attempts and, thanks to 12 points by Kristine Karklina, finished the first half with four point advantage, 29-25.

 

RSU/Merks tightened their defense early in the second half, allowing opponents to score just one field goal in six minutes. Return of power forward Daina Lazdeniece strengthened the team even more and massive three pointer by Asnate Fomina extended their lead to nine points, 41-50.

 

The hosts did not give up. They gave the ball to Dita Rozenberga and Kristine Karklina, and cut the deficit to three points, 47-50. Huge three pointer by Ilze Jakobsone and daring raid by Ruta Veidere added intrigue. Another three point play by Kristine Karklina finally gave the hosts the lead, 55-54. RSU/Merks missed three field goal attempts and lost by two points, 56-54.

 

All time series: 6-1 (this season 2-0)

 

Stat of the game: TTT Riga players grabbed 21 offensive rebound and, despite poor shooting, made 9 more field goal attempts and 9 more free throws.

 

Star of the game: Kristine Karklina destroyed RSU/Merks defensive lines one more time, finishing with game high 19 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals.

 

Next games: Tallinn University vs TTT Riga (January 18), RSU/Merks vs TTT Riga (January 29).