04.12.2003

BC Valmiera/Rujiena 80 BC Siauliai 77

		Janis Bambis (Valmeira) at the line

Valmiera/Rujiena won their fourth game in a row beating Lithuanian Siauliai 80-77. The team from Latvia secured with this victory their top spot in group D.

Neither of the two teams got control of the game in the first two quarters of the game. But the guests had a better finish and led by 6 points at halftime (39-45).

The first minutes of the third period went in Valmiera's favour. Valmiera managed a 14-3 run and Siauliai` Head Coach Ramunas Butautas was forced to call for a time-out. The Lithuanians found a way back into the game, although the home team didn’t show any weaknesses until the end of the third quarter.  so both teams started the final period with an even score (65-65).

Until the last minutes of the game no team could feel like the secure winner. Valmeira had the decisive players on their side as Sandis Amolins and Ilmars Bergmanis took things in their hands. The duo forced its way to the basket and the guests were forced to foul in order to stop the clock. But both players were steady from the line and secured a close 80-77 win for Valmeira.

MVP of the game: Ilmars Bergmanis (Valmeira) with 25 points (9/10 FT)