JELGAVA, Latvia — Liepāja’s bad run of form has continued, as they slumped to another loss over BBL rivals Kalev/Cramo 88-79 in Estonia on Monday evening.

In contrast, December has seen a change in fortune for Kalev/Cramo whose latest victory lifts their wins to five to see them currently sitting in 3rd place.

An extremely slow start proved the catalyst for Liepāja as Kalev/Cramo raced out to a 30-13 lead by the end of the period. For the Estonians it was Josh Akognon doing the most damage, scoring 13 of his game-high 27 points in the first quarter.

Liepāja fought back admirably to be trailing by just 10 at the half (52-42), led by Olegs Kojenets who was proving his worth both offensively and defensively. The fight back continued after the break as the lead was shortened to as little as six but Kalev/Cramo proved resolute, holding an eight-point (70-62) buffer with a period left to play.

In the final-quarter Kalev/Cramo refused to let their guests cut any more into their lead, holding on for a well-earned home victory. Kalev/Cramo will again play at home next Monday against Žalgiris in what will prove a much more difficult task.