Tartu Ülikool Maks & Moorits experienced a foul trouble and a slow start early in the second half, but fought back to post a 61-53 win over Liepāja on Tuesday, October 19 at Vidzeme Olympic Center in Valmiera.
Players of the game
Emmanuel Wembi cheked out with 30,6 seconds left. Tartu power forward registered a first ever double-double in the ENBL history, finishing the game with 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Charlotte, North Carolina native made 8-of-11 shots inside the arc. Wembi also had two steals and two blocks. He grabbed eight boards in the second half to maintain Tartu`s momentum.
Edmunds Elksnis – Tartu captain, hailing from Valmiera – also shined for the Estonian team. Point guard had a game high seven assists and scored 11 points.
Hendrik Eelmae scored nine points before he was fouled out midway the second half.
Roberts Bērziņš led Liepāja charge and scored nine points in the second half. Guard had 15 points, including a 6-of-9 effort inside the three point line.
Verners Kohs scored all 10 of his points in the first half.
Zigmārs Raimo was the main force under the baskets. Hawaii graduate filled the stat sheet with four points, five rebounds, three steals and two blocked shots.
Key stats
Both teams combined for a 114 points, including 54 points in the first half.
Liepāja led by six points 33-39 midway the third quarter but scored just 14 points rest of the way.
Tartu outscored Liepāja 28-14 in the final 12 minutes, including a 7-0 run late in the third quarter.
Hendrik Eelmae scored a five consecutive points to cut the gap, while Elksnis layup gave the Estonians a 40-39 lead.
Tartu extended its run up to 12-0. Eelmae added another three pointer while Wembi grabbed offensive rebound and scored second chance points 45-39.
The students never looked back.
Game notes
Both teams participated in the first game in the ENBL history.
Tartu had a 10 player rotation, missing a Lithuanian power forward Adomas Drungilas and shooting guard Robin Kivi.
Both teams fielded a very young rosters. Just one Liepāja player – Roberts Krastiņš – is at least 25 years old. The same can be said about Tartu, except Drungilas.
Tweet of the game
Photos: Renārs Koris
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