Thanks to their dominance in the second quarter, VEF Riga squeezed out a slight victory 76:75 over Bumerangs/ASK. Maris Gulbis and 19 points under his belt were quintessential in ensuring this win.

From the first minutes, it was evident that Saturday’s contest is going to be close one. Great offensive moments were replaced with unnecessary turnovers, and vice versa. Kazaks and Jeromanovs were the key players of this showdown. First quarter was not inclined to allow any of the competitors to capture a significant lead 18:18. That obviously was not the case in the second quarter, when VEF Riga started playing the game they should be showing all season long. Gulbis and Strupovics did not hesitate to locate themselves at the peak of their squad’s offensive screens. Their productive effort helped VEF Riga to end the first half 43:33 in their favour.

Although Gulbis still had his momentum, it was a completely different ball game after the big break. Poznaks and Kazaks started banking their looks without any evident mercy. Jeromanovs and Gulbis still were able to hold their positions. That is why Bumerangs were not capable of moving closer than 69:61 after the third quarter. VEF Riga were really lucky not to lose this game, as Bumerangs/ASK were close to unstoppable in the decising quarter. Poznaks and Kazaks were on fire from all ranges. 39 seconds till the end, and the score was only 76:75. Unfortunately for Bumerangs/ASK supporters, Poznaks missed his lay-up at the final buzzer. VEF Riga could celebrate a close victory 76:75.

This victory allowed VEF Riga to find themselves at the top of SEB BBL Challenge Cup standings.

Top Scorers: Agris Kazaks (26), Maris Gulbis (19)

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Games: 2008-01-12 Bumerangs/ASK - VEF Riga
Teams: VEF Riga
Teams: Bumerangs/ASK