Verners Kohs scored eight consecutive points in the final 90 seconds to secure a 84-83 road win for Valmiera Glass ViA over CSO Voluntari on Tuesday, January 21, at the Sala Gabriela Szabo in the Romanian capital.
Players of the game
Verners Kohs took over when it mattered the most.
When Valmiera trailed by seven points, 74-81, Kohs scored eight unanswered points for a 82-81 lead with 16.5 seconds left.
Forward forced a foul outside a three point line and sank all three free throws, 77-81.
Kohs scored his second three pointer to cut the gap to a single point, 80-81.
Finally, he forced one more foul – this time inside the three point line – to regain a small lead for his team.
Verners Kohs finished with 18 points on 3/11 shooting from the field and a brilliant 10/10 effort from the charity stripe.
Valmiera newcomer Mike Nuga assisted with 15 points.
A University of Nevada at Las Vegas guard celebrated his first win in the ENBL.
DaQuan Smith checked out with 14 points, including two decisive free throws with 1.7 seconds left.
Radford University graduate registered a team high three steals.
Lewis Sullivan led CSO Voluntari with 16 points.
A former University of Alabama at Birmingham center had six rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks.
Justin Edler-Davis added 16 points on 4/4 shooting inside the three point line and a perfect 8/8 effort from the charity stripe.
Key stats
CSO Voluntari dominated in the paint, 44-28.
The hosts shot 62 percent from the two point line, 25/40, and 85 percent from the free throw line, 18/21.
It wasn`t enough as Voluntari struggled from the three point land, 5/29.
Valmiera worked hard in defense and forced 21 turnovers.
The visitors shot 37 percent from the three point line, 9/24.
Last but not least, Valmiera shot 94 percent from the charity stripe, 17/18.
Valmiera went 7/7 from the free throw line in the final 90 seconds of the game.
Game notes
Valmiera Glass ViA improved to 6-1, while CSO Voluntari dropped to 5-2.
The series are tied, 1-1.
Valmiera Glass ViA qualified for the ENBL playoffs in their fourth attempt, after a 0-19 record in the first three seasons.
Nikolajs Mazurs and his men overtook the Newcastle Eagles and lead the Group A with a 6-1 record.
Valmiera, Newcastle, CSO Voluntari and Dziki Warszawa – all four teams have qualified for the playoffs.
ENBL access: follow the game on YouTube
STANDINGS, as of January 21, 2025, CET 20.00
Group A
Valmiera Glass ViA 6-1, +63 Qualified
Newcastle Eagles 6-1, +50 Qualified
CSO Voluntari 5-2, +115 Qualified
Dziki Warszawa 5-2, +69 Qualified
BK Opava 4-3, -26
Donar Groningen 2-4, -6
Tartu Ulikool 1-5, -81
Spišski Rytieri 1-6, -106
Spartak Pleven 0-6, -78
Group B
Inter Bratislava 7-0, +40 Qualified
Bamberg Baskets 5-1, +66
Bakken Bears 4-3, +59
Legia Warszawa 4-2, +29
Bristol Flyers 3-4, +0
Basket Brno 2-3, +3
Keila Coolbet 1-4, -59
Dinamo Bucharest 1-5, -49
Fyllingen Lions 1-6, -89
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