By Stefan Djordjevic / sdjordjevic@eurohoops.net
VEF Riga had a great start but the reigning champs kept the pressure on and eventually broke the Latvians’ resistance for a 76-75 home win after overtime in the Basketball Champions League Playoffs.
Riga started with 18-9 and was holding the lead until late in the fourth quarter when the Spaniards turned on the heat and set their eyes on the win.
Jasiel Rivero was a huge force pushing Burgos forward especially in crunch time. He scored seven points in the last three minutes of the fourth quarter and then added nine more in the overtime to get his team on top.
Rivero finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds while Vitor Benite was right behind with 18 points as he kept Burgos alive early on.
On the other side, Aigars Skele scored 19 in addition to Kristers Zoriks’ 14 points for the feisty Riga squad which impressed with tonight’s performance.
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League