Viljandi Hold Off Late ASK/MSĢ Comeback to Claim 25–24 BHL Victory

September 26, 2026

Viljandi HC/LEONHARD WEISS secured a hard-fought 25–24 victory over ASK/MSĢ in the Baltic Handball League on Saturday, surviving a dramatic late comeback from the Latvian side.

Viljandi led 12–9 at half-time and appeared to be in control for much of the second half, at one stage opening up a six-goal advantage. ASK/MSĢ refused to surrender, however, cutting the deficit to just one goal in the closing seconds before Viljandi held on for the victory.

The result also marked a significant turnaround from the teams’ previous meeting in February, when ASK/MSĢ defeated Viljandi 37–21.

The opening stages were evenly contested. ASK/MSĢ moved ahead 3–1 early in the match, but Viljandi quickly responded, drawing level at 3–3 and then beginning to take control. Goals from Aleksander Pertelson, Simon Drõgin and Andrii Basarab helped the Estonian side establish a narrow advantage.

Viljandi finished the first half strongly. Basarab scored twice during an important spell as the hosts moved from 7–7 to 9–7, while Aleksander Pertelson and Johannes Pertelson added late goals to send Viljandi into the break with a 12–9 lead.

The hosts had to deal with a significant setback shortly before half-time when Basarab was disqualified in the 27th minute, but Viljandi responded impressively after the restart.

The decisive spell came early in the second half. Viljandi extended their advantage from 12–9 to 19–13, with Sivert Raide, Johannes Pertelson and Aleksander Pertelson all contributing. Karl Roosna then played an important role as the hosts maintained their advantage, including converting two seven-metre throws.

ASK/MSĢ began reducing the deficit midway through the half, but Viljandi restored a six-goal advantage at 24–18 with less than eight minutes remaining following a goal from Chris-Robin Krabi.

That looked to have settled the contest, but ASK/MSĢ produced a determined finish.

Goals from Justs Vidzis and Kristofers Jonass reduced the gap before Ralfs Sproģis made it 24–21. Sten Maasalu responded for Viljandi to make it 25–21 with less than three minutes remaining, but the visitors were not finished.

Sproģis scored again before Krists Vidzis brought ASK/MSĢ within two at 25–23. After a Viljandi miss and an ASK/MSĢ timeout, the Latvian side had opportunities to close the gap further. Kristofers Jonass eventually scored with just ten seconds remaining to make it 25–24, but there was no time left to complete the comeback.

Aleksander Pertelson and Karl Roosna led Viljandi’s scoring with five goals each. Johannes Pertelson and Sivert Raide added four apiece, giving the hosts a balanced attacking contribution.

For ASK/MSĢ, Krists Vidzis was the leading scorer with six goals, while Kristofers Jonass added five. Jonass was particularly important during the visitors’ late push, including scoring the final goal of the match.

Final score: Viljandi HC/LEONHARD WEISS 25–24 ASK/MSĢ
Half-time: 12–9

Top scorers

Viljandi HC/LEONHARD WEISS: Aleksander Pertelson 5, Karl Roosna 5, Johannes Pertelson 4, Sivert Raide 4.

ASK/MSĢ: Krists Vidzis 6, Kristofers Jonass 5, Markuss Ikvils 3, Justs Vidzis 3, Sandis Vaškevičs 3.