The Valmiera Glass/Vidzeme University basketball team clinched the coveted Latvian Cup on Saturday in Ventspils, overcoming local team Ventspils with a score of 84-70. This victory marked a significant achievement for the Valmiera team, who only previously reached the semifinals in the 2023 season. Ventspils, having participated in the finals for the third time, faced defeat once again, showcasing the challenges of maintaining consistency in high-stakes matches.

Throughout the tournament, Valmiera demonstrated formidable performance, particularly in the knockout stages. They started with a decisive victory over Bauska in the round of 16, winning 111-60, and continued their impressive form by eliminating several top-tier teams including VEF Rīga and Rīgas Zeļļi with scores of 109-65 and 94-89 respectively in the quarterfinals and semifinals. This series of wins not only solidified their status in the league but also signified their emerging dominance in Latvian basketball.

On the other hand, Ventspils encountered a nail-biting journey to the finals. Following an easy win against Sigulda/Mapri Būve in the quarterfinals, they faced a challenging encounter against Ogre in the semifinals. Despite their solid performances on home soil, the team’s inability to secure victory in crucial moments ultimately led to their third consecutive finals loss. The contrasting trajectories of Valmiera and Ventspils reflect the evolving landscape of Latvian basketball, with Valmiera rising as a formidable contender in the sport.