Carter and Krastiņa lead TTT back to the title game

09.04.2016

Sydney Carter. Photo: Romualds Vambuts

The reigning champions TTT Rīga are one win away from a third consecutive Latvia-Estonia league crown after a 87-66 win over Estonian champions 1182 Tallinn on Saturday, April 9.

Sydney Carter scored 15 points and Ieva Krastiņa added 10 points to engineer two successful runs in the first half.

Carter was a big reason why TTT was to able to build its lead. She had 10 of the hosts first 23 points as Aigars Nerips and Jānis Nešpors team jumped out to a 23-17 advantage.

The hosts outrebounded TTT in the first 15 minutes – especially in offense – to cut the gap to three points 29-26.

TTT domination in the paint (30-8 in the first 20 minutes only) and fast breaks allowed the guests to went on a 16-2 run late in the first half, 45-28.

Howard Frier`s and Gerly Kostla`s team fought back in the third quarter. TTT led only by five points 52-47 after Pirgit Püü`s “and one” play. Then the Latvian champions took over.

All time series: 13-1 (this season 4-0).

Stat of the game: TTT players scored 46 points in the paint, while the hosts answered with 24 points.

Stars of the game: Sydney Carter led all scorers with 19 points. She added five rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Ieva Krastiņa grabbed four offensive rebounds in the first half to finish the game with 15 points, six rebounds and a game high four steals.

Kristen Mann had 13 points and five assists. Rūta Veidere chipped in 13 points, all in the second half.

Püü scored 12 points and forced five fouls.

Coming next: TTT Rīga will face the winners of Catz Lappeenranta (#2) and Vega 1/Liepāja (#3) matchup on Sunday, April 10.

TV SCHEDULE AND SCORES

Friday, April 8

1182 Tallinn – TTT juniores 75-58

Vega 1/Liepāja – RSU/Merks 60-55

Saturday, April 9