Latvian powerhouse TTT Riga secured a critical road victory Wednesday, overcoming a resilient Saarlouis Royals squad 80-72 in FIBA EuroCup Women group stage action. Despite a challenging 2-4 group play record, this win showcased TTT rigas ability to compete against top European competition [[3]].Led by a dominant performance from Canadian import Nija baker, the Latvian club battled back from multiple deficits to earn the hard-fought victory.
TTT Riga overcame a tough challenge on the road Wednesday, defeating German side Royals Saarlouis 80-72 in a tightly contested FIBA EuroCup group stage matchup. The victory was crucial for TTT Riga as they navigate a competitive EuroCup bracket.
Canadian import Nija Baker led the way for the visitors with a dominant performance, posting 26 points, seven rebounds, and four steals. TTT Riga showcased a balanced attack, with five players reaching double figures, including Karlīne Pilābere with 15 points and six boards, Ieva Pulvere adding 13 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, and Enija Vīksne contributing 12 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists.
The game began at a slow pace, with Vīksne’s mid-range jumper giving TTT Riga an early 8-7 lead. Saarlouis responded with a 5-0 run to take a 13-8 advantage. However, TTT Riga quickly regained control, fueled by Vīksne, Baker, and Pilābere, to reclaim the lead at 14-13.
The first quarter ended with Saarlouis edging ahead, as Marta Burse drove to the basket and found Brinna Šopa-Hilla for an easy layup with two seconds remaining, putting the German side up 20-15.
Saarlouis twice extended their lead to seven points in the second quarter (22-15 and 24-17), but TTT Riga’s defense stiffened, and they answered with a run of their own to tie the game at 24-24. The surge prompted a timeout from Saarlouis head coach Matīss Rožlapa.
The first half remained closely contested, with both teams trading leads. In the final moments before halftime, Vīksne found Kristu Lukaševiča for a score, and then assisted Baker on a three-pointer, giving TTT Riga a 38-33 lead.
Baker added two points from the free-throw line before the break, though she missed the second attempt, allowing Saarlouis to narrow the gap to 40-38 by the end of the second quarter.
The third quarter saw a back-and-forth battle, but Saarlouis managed to hold TTT Riga scoreless for two minutes while building a six-point lead, 55-49. Emma Eihmeiere’s three-pointer and subsequent basket extended the advantage to nine points, 62-53, forcing a timeout from TTT Riga coach Aigars Nerips.
Burse’s three-pointer early in the second half gave Saarlouis their first double-digit lead of the game, 68-58. However, TTT Riga responded with an impressive 14-2 run, capped by Pilābere regaining the lead for her team at 72-70 with just under four minutes remaining. TTT Riga’s offense found its rhythm, while Saarlouis struggled to convert from the field. Baker capitalized, creating space against double-teams to extend the lead to 78-72.
TTT Riga closed out the game with two final points, securing an 80-72 victory – only their second of the EuroCup season. TTT Riga finished with a 2-4 record in group play, falling short of a spot in the next phase of the tournament.
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