Latest victory keeps VEF Riga alive in Eurocup

RIGA, Latvia – A three point win has kept VEF Riga’s Eurocup aspirations alive whilst Siauliai has failed to gain their first win on Tuesday evening.

Despite 24 points from Willie Solomon, VEF were able to overcome group G leaders Hapoel Jerusalem 74-71 to remain a chance of moving into the round of 16.

Down by seven points at half time, Dairis Bertans led a third quarter revival as VEF outscored their opponents 27-14 to give them a six point lead going into the final quarter.

Hapoel Jerusalem were able to win the final quarter but failed to do enough to take back the lead with Jason Rich missing his shot to tie the ball game up in the dying seconds.

Bertans was the outstanding player for the home side with 20 points, while Kristaps Janicenoks chipped in with 13 points and seven rebounds.

Tyler Cain told eurocupbasketball.com after the game that, “our team chemistry is great and we are getting some wins finally.”

One team that is still struggling to find that chemistry is Siauliai who fell to their fifth consecutive loss, this time at the hands of Buducnost, 83-66.

This makes them one of only three of the 32 teams to not register a win in the first round of competition.

The game began horribly for Siauliai who allowed Buducnost to go on 20-2 run in the first quarter, something which they would never properly recover from.

They began to show some more fight in the second half, winning the third quarter 21-17 but that was to be the only highlight in another dismal road trip for Siauliai.

David Weaver led scoring for Siauliai with 16 points.