Coincidentally all hosts won their games. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.
The most exciting game of round 24 in the LKL took place in Vilnius. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 3rd ranked Lietkabelis (15-9) to second ranked Rytas (18-5) 92-91 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Lietkabelis. Rytas made 25-of-30 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. 28 personal fouls committed by Lietkabelis helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was international Gytis Radzevicius (197-1995) who scored 17 points and 6 rebounds. American guard Marcus Foster (191-1995, college: Creighton) chipped in 16 points and 5 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Jamel Morris (193-1992, college: Fairmont St.) who recorded 26 points and 5 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Rytas have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains second position with 18-5 record having just three points less than leader Zalgiris. Lietkabelis at the other side dropped to the fourth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Juventus. Rytas are looking forward to face Juventus (#5) in Utena in the next round. Lietkabelis will play at home against Neptunas and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Leader Zalgiris delivered the twentieth victory. This time they crushed 11th ranked Gargzdu (5-19) 96-70 in Kaunas. It was a good game for Italian Achille Polonara (202-1991) who led his team to a victory with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Tomas Dimsa contributed with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Canadian guard Isiah Osborne (196-1996, college: Carleton) replied with 21 points for Gargzdu. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Zalgiris maintains first position with 20-4 record. Newly promoted Gargzdu keeps the eleventh place with 19 games lost. Zalgiris will play against bottom-ranked Prienai (#12) on the road in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Gargzdu will play against Nevezis and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game in Klaipeda was also quite interesting. 6th ranked Jonava (14-10) played at the court of eighth ranked Neptunas (11-13). Neptunas managed to secure a 6-point victory 76-70 on Sunday. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Jonava. Worth to mention a great performance of Austin Wiley who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points, 15 rebounds and 4 blocks. Neptunas’ coach Mindaugas Brazys used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was Goran Huskic with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Neptunas moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Nevezis. Loser Jonava keeps the sixth position with ten games lost. Neptunas will meet higher ranked Lietkabelis (#4) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Jonava will play against Wolves and hope to secure a win.
Rest of the games of round 24 were very predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
bottom-ranked Prienai was defeated by Nevezis in Kedainiai 112-105. Wolves smashed P.Zvaigzdes at home 94-63. Siauliai lost to Juventus on the opponent’s court 80-89.
The best stats of 24th round was 18 points and 5 rebounds by Eimantas Stankevicius of Siauliai.
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Nevezis – Prienai 112-105
There was no surprise in Kedainiai where 12th ranked Prienai (3-21) was defeated by eighth ranked Nevezis (11-13) 112-105 on Saturday. Nevezis made 27-of-31 free shots (87.1 percent) during the game. Nevezis had a 31-19 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Belgian Tim Lambrecht (207-1998) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 25 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and American guard Brad Davison (193-1999, college: Wisconsin) who added 21 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists during the contest. Nevezis’ coach Gediminas Petrauskas used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was forward Tauras Jogela (202-1993, agency: 011 Sports) with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international forward Darius Tarvydas (199-1991) scored 15 points and 7 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Nevezis moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Neptunas. Loser Prienai stay dead last with 21 lost games. Nevezis will meet Gargzdu (#11) in the next round. Prienai will play against the league’s leader Zalgiris where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Nevezis: T.Lambrecht 25+15reb+7ast, B.Davison 21+8reb+5ast, D.Lavrinovicius 18+7reb, M.Valinskas 16+3reb+8ast, D.Darryl 16+3reb+2ast, D.Freeman 16+7reb+3ast
Prienai: K.Giedraitis 20+2reb, D.Tarvydas 15+7reb, D.Vilys 14+1reb, J.Williams 12+5reb+2ast, J.Jogminas 10+4reb+2ast, K.Anderson 10+1reb
gschID: 1003303
Rytas – Lietkabelis 92-91
The most exciting game of round 24 in the LKL took place in Vilnius. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 3rd ranked Lietkabelis (15-9) to second ranked Rytas (18-5) 92-91 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Lietkabelis. Rytas made 25-of-30 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. 28 personal fouls committed by Lietkabelis helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was international Gytis Radzevicius (197-1995) who scored 17 points and 6 rebounds. American guard Marcus Foster (191-1995, college: Creighton) chipped in 16 points and 5 assists. Five Rytas players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Jamel Morris (193-1992, college: Fairmont St.) who recorded 26 points and 5 assists and forward Gediminas Orelik (199-1990) added 14 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists respectively. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Rytas have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains second position with 18-5 record having just three points less than leader Zalgiris. Lietkabelis at the other side dropped to the fourth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Juventus. Rytas are looking forward to face Juventus (#5) in Utena in the next round. Lietkabelis will play at home against Neptunas and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Rytas: M.Echodas 17+6reb, G.Radzevicius 17+6reb+2ast, M.Foster 16+2reb+5ast, K.McCullum 12+1reb+3ast, E.Kairys 12+1reb+1ast, M.Normantas 9+2reb+2ast
Lietkabelis: J.Morris 26+2reb+5ast, K.Kullamaee 23+2ast, G.Orelik 14+6reb+7ast, N.Popovic 9+1reb, M.Paulius 6+1reb, V.Lipkevicius 6+5reb+3ast
gschID: 1003304
Neptunas – Jonava 76-70
The game in Klaipeda was also quite interesting. 6th ranked Jonava (14-10) played at the court of eighth ranked Neptunas (11-13). Neptunas managed to secure a 6-point victory 76-70 on Sunday. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Jonava. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Austin Wiley (211-1999, college: Auburn) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points, 15 rebounds and 4 blocks and the former international guard Zygimantas Janavicius (193-1989, agency: Interperformances) who added 11 points and 10 assists during the contest. Five Neptunas players scored in double figures. Neptunas’ coach Mindaugas Brazys used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was Serbian center Goran Huskic (210-1992, college: Howard Col., TX) with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and the former international guard Dovis Bickauskis (191-1993) scored 21 points. Neptunas moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Nevezis. Loser Jonava keeps the sixth position with ten games lost. Neptunas will meet higher ranked Lietkabelis (#4) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Jonava will play against Wolves and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Neptunas: A.Wiley 15+15reb, R.Malmanis 14+5reb+1ast, R.Gustys 11+7reb, Z.Janavicius 11+3reb+10ast, M.Jogela 10+2reb+5ast, D.Gailius 6+2reb+3ast
Jonava: D.Bickauskis 21+1reb+1ast, G.Huskic 14+6reb+6ast, J.Garrett 12+8reb+2ast, G.Watson Jr. 6+3reb+3ast, E.Seskus 5+6reb+5ast, M.Laksa 5+7reb
gschID: 1003305
Zalgiris – Gargzdu 96-70
Leader Zalgiris delivered the twentieth victory. This time they crushed 11th ranked Gargzdu (5-19) 96-70 in Kaunas. Zalgiris shot 61.7 percent from the field. They shot the lights out from three nailing 15 long-distance shots on high 55.6 percentage. Zalgiris players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists. It was a good game for Italian Achille Polonara (202-1991) who led his team to a victory with 14 points and 7 rebounds. The former international guard Tomas Dimsa (195-1994) contributed with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Four Zalgiris players scored in double figures. Canadian guard Isiah Osborne (196-1996, college: Carleton) replied with 21 points and the former international center Sarunas Beniusis (206-1993, agency: BIG) added 12 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Gargzdu. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Zalgiris maintains first position with 20-4 record. Newly promoted Gargzdu keeps the eleventh place with 19 games lost. Zalgiris will play against bottom-ranked Prienai (#12) on the road in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Gargzdu will play against Nevezis and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Zalgiris: A.Polonara 14+7reb+3ast, T.Dimsa 14+5reb+4ast, D.Giedraitis 13+2ast, I.Brazdeikis 12+3reb+2ast, K.Lukosiunas 12, I.Taylor 9+3ast
Gargzdu: I.Osborne 21+3reb+1ast, S.Beniusis 12+7reb+2ast, J.Washington 10+4reb+1ast, M.Ruikis 8+2reb, J.Newkirk 7+2reb+6ast, J.Kazakauskas 7+3reb+2ast
gschID: 1003306
Wolves – P.Zvaigzdes 94-63
No shocking result in a game in Vilnius where third ranked Wolves (16-8) smashed 10th ranked P.Zvaigzdes (5-18) 94-63 on Monday. They outrebounded P.Zvaigzdes 40-29 including 29 on the defensive glass. Wolves looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by P.Zvaigzdes’ players. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international forward Eigirdas Zukauskas (204-1992) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 8 rebounds and Swedish-American forward Jeffery Taylor (201-1989, college: Vanderbilt) who added 12 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Wolves’ coach Rimas Kurtinaitis felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. The best for the losing side was American guard Corey Allen (188-1998, college: Georgia St.) with 18 points and 5 rebounds and Latvian Rihards Kuksiks (201-1988, college: Arizona St.) scored 12 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Newly promoted Wolves maintains third position with 16-8 record having four points less than leader Zalgiris. Loser P.Zvaigzdes keeps the tenth place with 18 games lost. Wolves will meet Jonava (#6) on the road in the next round. P.Zvaigzdes will play against Siauliai (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Wolves: E.Zukauskas 17+8reb+1ast, R.Kelly 14+4reb, A.Juskevicius 14+1reb+4ast, J.Taylor 12+6reb+1ast, E.Buckner 9+8reb+1ast, M.Delia 7+3reb+1ast
P.Zvaigzdes: C.Allen 18+5reb+3ast, R.Kuksiks 12+5reb+3ast, A.Kovalov 11+4reb+1ast, J.Jucikas 10+4reb, J.Gillon 5+1reb+4ast, E.Saulys 4+2reb+1ast
gschID: 1003307
Juventus – Siauliai 89-80
Very expected game in Utena where 9th ranked Siauliai (10-14) was defeated by fifth ranked Juventus (15-9) 89-80 on Monday. Juventus made 21-of-25 free shots (84.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 23 Siauliai turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Jon Davis (190-1996, college: Charlotte) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 5 rebounds and Zygimantas Skucas (202-1992, agency: BIG) who added 9 points and 4 assists during the contest. Four Juventus players scored in double figures. Juventus’ coach Donaldas Kairys allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. The best for the losing side was Eimantas Stankevicius (192-1998, agency: Octagon Europe) with 18 points and 5 rebounds and American point guard Antino Jackson (182-1996, college: N.Mexico, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 15 points and 7 assists. Juventus moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Lietkabelis. Siauliai lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with 14 games lost. Juventus will meet league’s second-placed Rytas in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Siauliai will play against P.Zvaigzdes (#10) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Juventus: J.Davis 16+5reb+2ast, G.Matulis 14+1reb+2ast, M.Gecevicius 11+1reb+2ast, R.Lynch 11+4reb+1ast, Z.Skucas 9+4reb+4ast, M.Paliukenas 8+2reb+3ast
Siauliai: E.Stankevicius 18+5reb+2ast, A.Jackson 15+2reb+7ast, J.Zohore 12+5reb+1ast, D.Paulius 8+3reb+1ast, K.Mangas 7+1reb, B.Daniel 6+3reb
gschID: 1003308
Tags : GYTIS RADZEVICIUS, BC RYTAS VILNIUS, LITHUANIAN BASKETBALL
