VILNIUS — Žalgiris remain top of the BBL following a comprehensive 98-86 victory over Latvian rivals VEF Riga.

To date, VEF Riga have looked to be one of the stronger outfits but this weekend’s result shows that as usual, the basketball being played in Lithuania is at a higher level than that of the other two Baltic countries.

By the end of the first quarter the home side already had firm control over the game with a solid 24-13 lead. VEF Riga were able to match their opposition in the second quarter, but the damage of a weak first quarter was telling.

Just like the beginning of the first half, VEF Riga were sluggish at getting into their work load, allowing the lead to stretch out further. By the end of the quarter the lead had stretched out to 18 as Žalgiris went into the final quarter leading 78-60.

VEF Riga showed a lot more mental toughness in the final quarter as the took it out 26-20. However, in the grand scheme this meant little with the damage already inflicted.

American import Travis Jermaine Watson continued his strong season for Žalgiris, leading his team in rebounds (12) and points (17). For VEF Riga, it was Ingus Bankevics who was doing most of the work, grabbing a game-high 19 points for the visitors.