Ventspils Spars rallied from an early deficit to beat RBS Jugla 94-88 in a thrilling Swedbank LJBL U17 Boys final in Liepaja on Sunday, overturning the regular-season standings with a gutsy second-half performance.
Jugla who had topped the regular season as the number one seed started stronger and held the lead through 14 minutes. But coach Matiss Graudins' Ventspils side seized control in the second quarter, outscoring the Rigans 34-20 to take a 53-42 halftime lead. The third quarter extended the advantage to 69-64, and though Jugla stormed back to within 82-83 with 140 seconds remaining, Ventspils held their nerve to close out the 94-88 victory.
Tournament MVP Jekabs Graudins (2009) the coach's son led all scorers with 25 points. Klavs Cernuho (175-G-2009) added 18, Edgars Mitenbergs (2009) had 15, and Jekabs Miluzs (2009) contributed 13 in a balanced attack. For Jugla, Kristofers Fibigs (185-G-2009, agency: Exalt Premium Athletes) scored 20, Gustavs Gailitis (2009) had 17, and Leonards Papans (183-G-2009) and Roberts Deics) each posted 16 Deics adding a game-high 15 rebounds.
The third-place game was equally dramatic. Marupes NSS edged RBS Centrs 87-84 despite Ernests Vezitis)' stunning 41-point effort for Centrs. Ronijs Jeromanovs (189-G-2009) led Marupe with 32 points and 13 rebounds. Siguldas Sporta Skola claimed seventh by beating RBS DSN 87-83.
Talent Five: Klavs Cernuho (Ventspils Spars), Kristofers Fibigs (RBS Jugla), Roberts Deics (RBS Jugla), Ronijs Jeromanovs (Marupes NSS), Indans (RBS Centrs)