Every game is important in the “Top 6” tournament. Each result can have a bearing on who you might meet in the play-offs.

A “Top 4” position guarantees safe passage to the “Final Six”, while the two last places can throw you in fight for survival.

Tallinn University and RSU/Merks are not considered favourites in the elite group. That`s why head-to-head results are particularly important to advance to the next round.

First encounter in Tallinn was full of drama and unexpected twists. RSU/Merks took the commanding lead early in the second half, when Aivars Vīnbergs side boosted its margin to 26-40.

It took a mammoth effort for RSU/Merks center Guna Lagzdiņa. She had 12 points, seven rebounds, four forced fouls and two blocked shots for efficiency rating of 17 in less than 17 minutes.

Lagzdiņa twisted her right ankle and left the court in pain. Tallinn University players used it for a 15-0 run and – suddenly – it all started from the beginning, 41-40.

Pirgit Püü stepped up to score 19 points in the final 16 minutes. Her three pointers, steals and forced fouls were crucial to keep her team in the game.

Three times on Sunday night in Tallinn, the hosts took the lead. Three times, the young RSU/Merks players answered.

Paula Langina, Kate Aizsila and Arta Frīdenberga netted 15 points in the final twelve minutes. Frīdenberga scored the game winning shot less than 140 seconds before the end of regulation, 54-60.

Püü brought the Tallinn University as close as 59-61 but it wasn`t enough.

All time series: 4-0 (this season 2-0)

Stat of the game: RSU/Merks players drained 46,0% of their attempts from the three point line (6/13), including three hits in the fourth quarter (Daina Lazdeniece, Kate Aizsila, Arta Frīdenberga).

Star of the game: Guna Lagzdiņa led the winners with 12 points, seven rebounds, four forced fouls and two blocked shots for efficiency rating of 17 in less than 17 minutes.

Next games: RSU/Merks vs SK Cēsis (February 12), TTT Rīga vs Tallinn University (February 22).