VEF Riga — Lokomotiv Plovdiv: 106:83, FIBA Europe Cup

VEF Riga saw off Lokomotiv Plovdiv 106-83 in their FIBA Europe Cup clash on Wednesday evening. The Latvian side made it five wins from five in domestic play, extending a run that has seen them average over 90 points per game. By then, the margin was already telling.

VEF Riga have been in fine form at home. They beat Liepāja 82-55 on Monday, followed by 90-60 against Kalev/Cramo and 92-73 over Ogre. The victory over Lokomotiv Plovdiv continues that pattern, though the opposition here had only recently finished their own campaign.

Lokomotiv Plovdiv arrived with a different story. Their last five games were against Balkan — a run of mixed results ending with a 73-88 defeat on May 25th. They have not played competitively since June, which perhaps explains why the Latvian side ran riot from the opening tip.

To be fair, the scoreline does not tell the whole story of a game where VEF Riga controlled the tempo. The visitors found themselves exposed on the break, and that is something that cannot be hidden over four quarters. The Latvians won a dangerous free-kick situation and hit them on the break when it mattered.

What this result means for the standings is still unclear. Lokomotiv Plovdiv sit fourth with zero games and zero points in this competition — the season has just started and the table says nothing yet. VEF Riga, meanwhile, are building momentum and fancy their chances as they move forward.