Valmiera Glass/ViA Edges Out Rīgas Zeļļi in Thrilling LBL Matchup
Valmiera Glass/ViA secured a narrow 104-102 victory over Rīgas Zeļļi in a fiercely contested Latvijas-Igaunijas Basketbola līga (LIBL) game on April 29, 2026. The win brings Valmiera Glass/ViA within striking distance of a third final appearance this season.
Pekers Leads the Charge, Steņonis Orchestrates
Endrū “A.J.” Pekers led all scorers with 24 points, while Dominiks Steņonis showcased his all-around game, contributing 14 points and 12 rebounds for Valmiera Glass/ViA. Anivanniva Teits-Džounss added 19 points, despite committing seven turnovers. For Rīgas Zeļļi, Halils Šabazs put up a strong performance with 25 points, and Frenkijs Fidlers followed with 21.
A Back-and-Forth Battle
The first quarter was characterized by a fast pace and accurate shooting from both sides, with Rīgas Zeļļi establishing an early lead. The second quarter saw continued scoring, but neither team managed to create a significant separation, with Rīgas Zeļļi maintaining a slim advantage at halftime. Valmiera Glass/ViA shot 60% from three-point range (9/15) in the first half, while Rīgas Zeļļi connected on 7 of 20 attempts (35%).
The third quarter witnessed a resurgence from Valmiera, fueled by Pekers’ scoring and a key sequence of plays that shifted the momentum. Valmiera briefly took the lead with a 9-point advantage before Rīgas Zeļļi responded with a run of their own.
Dramatic Finish
The final minutes were filled with tension. Pekers had an opportunity to extend Valmiera’s lead to five with two free throws, but only made one. Šabazs then answered with a crucial three-pointer for Rīgas Zeļļi, narrowing the gap to a single possession. A foul on Artis Ate resulted in free throws, which he split. Šabazs had a final chance with a contested three-point attempt that fell short, securing the win for Valmiera Glass/ViA.
LIBL Playoff Picture: A Tight Race
Valmiera Glass/ViA now holds a 2-1 series lead over Rīgas Zeļļi. The next game is scheduled for May 1, 2026. Meanwhile, the VEF Rīga and Ventspils series is tied at 1-1, with games scheduled for April 30 and May 2, 2026.
Key Stats
| Dat. | Spēle | Rez. | Labākie punktu guvēji |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23.04. | Valmiera Glass/ViA – Rīgas Zeļļi | 80:73 | Steņonis 14 – Fidlers 18 |
| 24.04. | VEF Rīga – Ventspils | 87:76 | Holiss 18 – Zaķis 13 |
| 25.04. | Rīgas Zeļļi – Valmiera Glass/ViA | 95:79 | Šulcs 21 – Kohs 19 |
| 27.04. | Ventspils – VEF Rīga | 86:84 | Ausējs 19 – Hafmens 18 (10 atl.b.) |
| 29.04. | Valmiera Glass/ViA – Rīgas Zeļļi | 104:102 | Pekers 24 – Šabazs 25 |
FAQ
Q: Who is the leading scorer for Valmiera Glass/ViA?
A: Endrū “A.J.” Pekers is currently the leading scorer for Valmiera Glass/ViA.
Q: What is the current series score between Valmiera Glass/ViA and Rīgas Zeļļi?
A: Valmiera Glass/ViA leads the series 2-1.
Q: Where can I find the full game statistics?
A: Full game statistics are available on the Sportazinas.com website.
Did you know? Dominiks Steņonis recorded 12 rebounds in the April 29th game, demonstrating his versatility and impact beyond scoring.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the rebounding battle – it’s often a key indicator of success in these close contests.
What are your predictions for the next game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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