Tyco Rapla Opens Baltic League with OT win

It was an all-Estonian affair as the Baltic League tipped off for the 2014-15 season. Four teams from Estonia, coming from Groups B and C took to the floor to get the action underway. Valga Kalev defeated Tallinna Ulikool Kalev 86-75 and Tyco Rapla needed an extra period to overcome BC Rakvere Tarvas 95-90.

Of the two contests, the game that headed into overtime was more exhilarating. It started off close, with both clubs taking turns with the lead. The hosts were able to secure a seven point lead at the end of the first quarter, 20-13. Both teams demonstrated solid defense and were able to keep the game’s tempo in check. Tarvas slowly chipped away at the slim lead and managed to cut it to four points as both clubs headed to the locker rooms for the halftime break.

In the third frame Tarvas came out strong and tied up the game at 54-54. Their aggressiveness paid off and they seized control of the lead heading to the last period. They looked like they would steal a game on the road after an impressive 10-0 run in the fourth quarter, but the home team met them with their own rally and just like that it was at a deadlock in the dying minutes. Tyco Rapla secured the win via key three-pointers which they nailed in overtime.

Rapla was led by Kristers Zeidaks who poured in 26 points and grabbed 11 boards. His teammate Martin Paasoja added 18 points in the winning effort. Tarvas got a strong two-man game from Kaspars Cipruss who posted a beastly line with 22 points and 17 rebounds, while Roberts Stumbris chimed in 21 points and 13 boards of his own.