There were just 6 rounds played in Regular Season of NKL and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.
The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Palanga (2-1) at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were edged by tenth ranked Suduva-Mantinga (3-2) 86-85. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Palanga. Suduva-Mantinga forced 85 Palanga turnovers and outrebounded them 38-27 including 16 on the offensive glass. It was a good game for Ignas Labutis (199-1994) who saved his team from a defeat with 18 points. Center Marius Valukonis (198-1988) contributed with 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Forward Julius Kazakauskas (196-1990) replied with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for Palanga. Suduva-Mantinga moved-up to sixth place. Palanga at the other side dropped to the eleventh position with one game lost. Suduva-Mantinga are looking forward to face Alytus (#15) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Palanga will play against Kretinga (#10) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Another exciting game for Jurbarkas (5-1) which played in Kaunas against second-best Omega-Tauras (4-2). Fourth ranked Jurbarkas won 82-77. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Power forward Karolis Guscikas (206-1992, agency: BIG) had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and Paulius Danisevicius chipped in 17 points and 8 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was the former international point guard Sarunas Vasiliauskas (188-1989) with 20 points and 8 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Jurbarkas have an impressive five-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Neptunas-Akv. and Telsiai. Newly promoted Omega-Tauras dropped to the fifth place with two games lost. Jurbarkas will play against league’s second-placed Neptunas-Akv. in Klaipeda in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Omega-Tauras will play at home against P.Olimpas and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Kretinga between Neptunas-Akv. and Kretinga. Third ranked Neptunas-Akv. (5-1) got a very close victory on the road over 6th ranked Kretinga (3-3). Neptunas-Akv. managed to escape with a 2-point win 78-76 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Kretinga. Klaidas Metrikis notched 21 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort. Even 11 points and 9 rebounds by Karolis Sapiega did not help to save the game for Kretinga. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Neptunas-Akv. keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Telsiai and Jurbarkas. Loser Kretinga dropped to the seventh place with three games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Neptunas-Akv. will meet at home Jurbarkas (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Kretinga will play against Palanga (#11) and hope to secure a win.
There were no big surprises in other games of round 6: Zalgiris II beat Vilkaviskis on the road 87-86. Alytus was destroyed by Vytis on its own court 77-109. Stekas unfortunately lost to Rytas 2 in Vilnius 85-101. Silute recorded a loss to P.Olimpas at home 70-75. Winless Delikatesas was defeated by Telsiai on the opponent’s court 107-94.
Vilkaviskis – Zalgiris II 86-87
There was a surprise result when twelfth ranked Zalgiris II (3-3) edged on the road higher ranked Vilkaviskis (3-3) 87-86 on Saturday. Zalgiris II forced 86 Vilkaviskis turnovers. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Zalgiris II made 8 blocks. Center Aleksas Bieliauskas (206-2005) notched a double-double by scoring 21 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks to lead the effort and forward Mantas Juzenas (199-2006) supported him with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Zalgiris II players scored in double figures. Even 23 points and 4 steals by American guard Bryce McBride (188-2000, college: YSU) did not help to save the game for Vilkaviskis. Giedrius Stankevicius (207-1996) added 7 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Zalgiris II moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Vilkaviskis. Zalgiris II will meet higher ranked Vytis (#4) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Vilkaviskis will play against Delikatesas in Joniskis and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Vilkaviskis: B.McBride 23+3reb, R.Stankevicius 11+5reb+1ast, M.Zaunieriunas 9+3ast, A.Bancevicius 9+3reb+2ast, S.Reiley 8+5reb, N.Vaivada 7+3reb+1ast
Zalgiris II: A.Bieliauskas 21+12reb, M.Juzenas 18+8reb+5ast, M.Laurencikas 16+4reb+1ast, D.Buika 10+2reb+5ast, J.Rudaitis 9+3reb+4ast, A.Navickas 7+4reb
gschID: 1216901
Alytus – Vytis 77-109
Very expected game when 13th ranked Alytus (1-5) was smashed at home by fifth ranked Vytis (4-1) 109-77 on Saturday. Vytis dominated down low during the game scoring 78 of its points in the paint compared to Alytus‘ 50. Vytis forced 77 Alytus turnovers and outrebounded them 41-17 including a 30-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. Vytis looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Augustinas Mikstas (203-2001, agency: Octagon Europe) notched 22 points and 9 rebounds to lead the effort and guard Paulius Velutis (188-2004) supported him with 29 points (on 13-of-16 shooting from the field). Four Vytis players scored in double figures. Even 13 points and 5 rebounds by Ronaldas Rutkauskas (203-1992, agency: KAM) did not help to save the game for Alytus. American point guard Malek Davis (180-2000, college: HSU, agency: Interperformances) added 16 points. Alytus’ coach Mindaugas Jarusevicius gave up on the game allowing to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Vytis moved-up to fourth place. Newly promoted Alytus dropped to the fifteenth position with five games lost. Vytis will meet at home Zalgiris II (#7) in the next round. Alytus will play against Suduva-Mantinga (#6) in Marijampole and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Alytus: M.Davis 16+1ast, R.Rutkauskas 13+5reb+2ast, G.Bumblys 10, S.Damulevicius 7+1ast, A.Tatevosyan 7+2reb, J.Balciunas 6+1reb+4ast
Vytis: P.Velutis 29+3reb+1ast, A.Mikstas 22+9reb+3ast, R.Jocys 15+5reb+3ast, A.Adomavicius 13+4reb+1ast, K.Leliukas 8+3reb, D.Cernius 7+5reb+1ast
gschID: 1216902
Palanga – Suduva-Mantinga 85-86
The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Palanga (2-1) at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were edged by tenth ranked Suduva-Mantinga (3-2) 86-85. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Palanga. Suduva-Mantinga forced 85 Palanga turnovers and outrebounded them 38-27 including 16 on the offensive glass. It was a good game for Ignas Labutis (199-1994) who saved his team from a defeat with 18 points. Center Marius Valukonis (198-1988) contributed with 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Forward Julius Kazakauskas (196-1990) replied with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists and center Julius Jucikas (204-1989, agency: BIG) added 29 points in the effort for Palanga. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Suduva-Mantinga moved-up to sixth place. Palanga at the other side dropped to the eleventh position with one game lost. Suduva-Mantinga are looking forward to face Alytus (#15) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Palanga will play against Kretinga (#10) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Palanga: J.Jucikas 29+2reb+3ast, M.Ruikis 19+3reb+2ast, J.Kazakauskas 19+12reb+4ast, M.Stasys 10+2reb+9ast, V.Sarakauskas 6+3reb, T.Zelenskij 2+1ast
Suduva-Mantinga: I.Labutis 18+3reb+1ast, D.Vilys 14+3reb+2ast, M.Valukonis 13+9reb, M.Jucikas 10+5reb+2ast, T.Kliucinykas 9+4reb+3ast, A.Simonis 8+6reb+1ast
gschID: 1216903
Rytas 2 – Stekas 101-85
There was a surprise result when fourteenth ranked Rytas 2 (2-4) won against higher ranked Stekas (3-3) in Vilnius 101-85 on Saturday. Rytas 2 shot 63.2 percent from the field and made 19-of-21 free shots (90.5 percent) during the game. Rytas 2 forced 85 Stekas turnovers and had a 26-11 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Rytas 2 especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Forward Danielius Kasparas (202-2004, agency: BIG) notched 27 points and 6 rebounds (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) to lead the effort and guard Ignas Urbonas (198-2007) supported him with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 25 points and 8 assists by point guard Paulius Semaska (184-1993) did not help to save the game for Stekas. The former international forward Darius Tarvydas (199-1991) added 21 points and 5 rebounds. Four Stekas players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Rytas 2 moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Silute. Loser Stekas keeps the seventh position with three games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Rytas 2 will meet at home Silute (#13) in the next round. Stekas will play against the league’s leader Telsiai (#1) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Stekas: P.Semaska 25+2reb+8ast, D.Tarvydas 21+5reb, M.Serksnas 12+3reb+3ast, D.Bucas 11+7reb, T.Rinkunas 8+4ast, E.Matulevic 4+2reb+1ast
Rytas 2: D.Kasparas 27+6reb, I.Urbonas 16+8reb+4ast, G.Krizanauskas 13+4reb+4ast, N.Kuliesa 9+4reb+8ast, A.Rimkus 9+2reb+2ast, N.Stuknys 7+3reb+2ast
gschID: 1216904
Silute – P.Olimpas 70-75
There was an upset when higher ranked Silute (2-4) lost at home to fifteenth ranked P.Olimpas (2-7) 75-70 on Saturday. P.Olimpas forced 70 Silute turnovers. Swingman Rokas Kreismontas (198-2006) notched 20 points to lead the effort and American swingman Jared Small (201-1997, college: CMU) supported him with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Five P.Olimpas players scored in double figures. Even 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 blocks by Ukrainian power forward Vadym Prokopenko (206-1995, agency: BIG) did not help to save the game for Silute. American guard JaDarius Harris (188-2001, college: NCCU) added 20 points. P.Olimpas moved-up to fourteenth place. Loser Silute dropped to the twelfth position with four games lost. They share it with Rytas 2. P.Olimpas will meet higher ranked Omega-Tauras (#5) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Silute will play against Rytas 2 (#12) in Vilnius and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Silute: J.Harris 20+4reb+1ast, L.Balkunas 18+2reb+3ast, V.Prokopenko 16+7reb+2ast, A.Urbonas 6+7reb+5ast, Y.Balaban 5+4reb+2ast, N.Jankunas 5+4reb+5ast
P.Olimpas: R.Kreismontas 20+2reb, V.Anisimov 15+4reb, T.Kymantas 11+2reb+1ast, J.Small 11+6reb+4ast, J.Stropus 10+1reb+4ast, T.Kararinas 2+5reb+3ast
gschID: 1216905
Telsiai – Delikatesas 107-94
Everything went according to plan when first ranked Telsiai (5-1) defeated at home bottom-ranked Delikatesas (0-6) 107-94 on Saturday. Telsiai forced 94 Delikatesas turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The former international guard Martynas Gecevicius (193-1988) notched 23 points and 4 assists to lead the effort and Gediminas Lesciauskas (197-2001) supported him with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Telsiai’s coach Sandis Buskevics used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 26 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists by Tomas Balciunas (204-2000) did not help to save the game for Delikatesas. American guard Kenneth Miller (186-1995, college: OVU, agency: KAM) added 22 points and 4 assists. Five Delikatesas players scored in double figures. Telsiai maintains first position with 5-1 record, which they share with Neptunas-Akv. and Jurbarkas. Loser Delikatesas still closes the standings with six games lost. Telsiai will meet Stekas (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Delikatesas will play against Vilkaviskis (#9) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Delikatesas: T.Balciunas 26+9reb+6ast, K.Miller 22+3reb+4ast, D.Sarauskas 14+2reb+2ast, S.Kriauciunas 12+1ast, I.Chumakov 11+5reb+2ast, A.Jackson 5+4reb
Telsiai: M.Gecevicius 23+2reb+4ast, G.Lesciauskas 22+5reb+2ast, N.Radzius 19+1reb+4ast, O.Kaminskis 12+1reb+3ast, D.Rasys 9+5reb+3ast, L.Valantinas 8+10reb+4ast
gschID: 1216906
Kretinga – Neptunas-Akv. 76-78
A very close game took place in Kretinga between Neptunas-Akv. and Kretinga. Third ranked Neptunas-Akv. (5-1) got a very close victory on the road over 6th ranked Kretinga (3-3). Neptunas-Akv. managed to escape with a 2-point win 78-76 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Kretinga. Neptunas-Akv. forced 76 Kretinga turnovers. Strangely Kretinga outrebounded Neptunas-Akv. 44-26 including 29 on the defensive glass. Klaidas Metrikis (204-2000) notched 21 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort and guard Kristupas Lesciauskas (191-2005) supported him with 20 points. Even 11 points and 9 rebounds by Karolis Sapiega (199-1999) did not help to save the game for Kretinga. Center Tadas Budrys (205-2002) added 14 points and 6 rebounds. Four Kretinga players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Neptunas-Akv. keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Telsiai and Jurbarkas. Loser Kretinga dropped to the seventh place with three games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Neptunas-Akv. will meet at home Jurbarkas (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Kretinga will play against Palanga (#11) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kretinga: J.Ziubrys 16+4reb+2ast, T.Budrys 14+6reb+2ast, M.Staniulis 12+1reb+5ast, R.Zabita 12+7reb+2ast, K.Sapiega 11+9reb+3ast, G.Macionis 9+10reb+2ast
Neptunas-Akv.: K.Metrikis 21+6reb, K.Lesciauskas 20+2reb+2ast, A.Brazauskas 14+3reb, R.Maciulis 6+1reb+1ast, M.Runkauskas 6+2reb+2ast, J.Virkutis 5+4reb
gschID: 1216907
Omega-Tauras – Jurbarkas 77-82
Another exciting game for Jurbarkas (5-1) which played in Kaunas against second-best Omega-Tauras (4-2). Fourth ranked Jurbarkas won 82-77. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Jurbarkas dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Omega-Tauras‘ 28. Jurbarkas forced 77 Omega-Tauras turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists. Power forward Karolis Guscikas (206-1992, agency: BIG) had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and point guard Paulius Danisevicius (178-1995, agency: BIG) chipped in 17 points and 8 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was the former international point guard Sarunas Vasiliauskas (188-1989) with 20 points and 8 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) and Robert Subotkevic (203-1998) scored 16 points and 6 rebounds. Jurbarkas have an impressive five-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Neptunas-Akv. and Telsiai. Newly promoted Omega-Tauras dropped to the fifth place with two games lost. Jurbarkas will play against league’s second-placed Neptunas-Akv. in Klaipeda in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Omega-Tauras will play at home against P.Olimpas and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Omega-Tauras: S.Vasiliauskas 20+3reb+8ast, R.Subotkevic 16+6reb+1ast, D.Domarkas 11+4reb+5ast, P.Karasov 10+2reb+1ast, I.Juskevicius 8+5reb+4ast, L.Krivickas 6+5reb
Jurbarkas: K.Guscikas 22+10reb+2ast, P.Danisevicius 17+2reb+8ast, T.Delininkaitis 9+4reb+3ast, J.Nausedas 7+3reb+3ast, G.Matulis 7+10reb, E.Dimsa 6+1reb+1ast
gschID: 1216908
