LKL Round 14: No surprise as #1 Rudupis defeat Sakalai - Dec 18, 2012
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LKL is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 14 rounds left. Coincidentally all hosts won their games.
LKL top team - Rudupis (9-0) had no problems winning another game on Tuesday. This time they crushed eleventh ranked Sakalai (2-7) in Prienai 103-63. The game without a history. Rudupis led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to Sakalai's 46. They outrebounded Sakalai 47-27 including a 30-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Rudupis looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Rudupis made 8 blocks. Swingman Gediminas Orelikas (200-90) scored 15 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Estonian Siim-Sander Vene (203-90, agency: Alti Sport) chipped in 16 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Center Edvinas Jezukevicius (207-90) responded with 10 points and 7 rebounds. Undefeated Rudupis have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 9-0 record. Sakalai at the other side keeps the eleventh place with seven games lost. Rudupis are looking forward to face Lietuvos rytas (#8) in Vilnius in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Sakalai will play at home against Naglis Palangos in Palanga and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game in Panevezys was also worth to mention about. 6th ranked Juventus (4-5) played at the court of seventh ranked Lietkabelis (5-4). Lietkabelis defeated Juventus 116-102. Arnas Butkevicius (196-92) notched 29 points and 8 assists (on 11-of-12 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and Mindaugas Kupsas supported him with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Even 26 points and 9 rebounds by forward Nerijus Varnelis (201-78) did not help to save the game for Juventus. Lietkabelis moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Nevezis. Juventus lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with five games lost. Lietkabelis will play against Lietuvos rytas (#8) in Vilnius in the next round. Juventus will play at home against Siauliai and hopes to get back on the winning track.
In the last game of round 14 Pieno Zvaigzdes lost to Neptunas on the opponent's court 72-89.
LKL top team - Rudupis (9-0) had no problems winning another game on Tuesday. This time they crushed eleventh ranked Sakalai (2-7) in Prienai 103-63. The game without a history. Rudupis led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to Sakalai's 46. They outrebounded Sakalai 47-27 including a 30-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Rudupis looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Rudupis made 8 blocks. Swingman Gediminas Orelikas (200-90) scored 15 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Estonian Siim-Sander Vene (203-90, agency: Alti Sport) chipped in 16 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Five Rudupis players scored in double figures. Center Edvinas Jezukevicius (207-90) responded with 10 points and 7 rebounds and Edvinas Seskus (192-95) scored 11 points. Rudupis have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 9-0 record. Sakalai at the other side keeps the eleventh place with seven games lost. Rudupis are looking forward to face Lietuvos rytas (#8) in Vilnius in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Sakalai will play at home against Naglis Palangos in Palanga and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers: Rudupis: A.Urbutis 16+5reb, S.Vene 16+10reb+1ast, G.Orelikas 15+8reb+5ast, A.Valeika 15+5reb+2ast, G.Kadziulis 13+3reb+7ast, P.Ivanauskas 12+6reb+3ast Sakalai: E.Seskus 11+1reb+2ast, E.Jezukevicius 10+7reb, I.Ramasauskas 10+2reb+2ast, R.Matulis 8+4reb+1ast, A.Kiausas 6+2reb+1ast, P.Dambrauskas 6+2reb+3ast
Very expected game in Klaipeda where 9th ranked Pieno Zvaigzdes (3-6) was defeated by second ranked Neptunas (6-3) 89-72. The game without a history. Neptunas led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Neptunas outrebounded Pieno Zvaigzdes 34-21 including a 26-12 advantage in defensive rebounds. American-Samoan point guard Rashaun Broadus (180-84, college: BYU) notched 22 points to lead the effort and American forward David McClure (198-86, college: Duke) supported him with 14 points and 9 rebounds. Four Neptunas players scored in double figures. Even 29 points (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field) by American-Puerto Rican point guard TreVon Hughes (183-87, college: Wisconsin, agency: Edge Sports) did not help to save the game for Pieno Zvaigzdes. American forward Tyrell Biggs (203-86, college: Pittsburgh) added 14 points for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Neptunas have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 6-3 record having just three points less than leader Rudupis. Pieno Zvaigzdes lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with six games lost. Neptunas will play against Nevezis (#5) in Kedainiai in the next round. Pieno Zvaigzdes will play at home against LSU-Baltai (#10) in Kaunas and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers: Neptunas: R.Broadus 22+2reb+3ast, L.Mikalauskas 15+4reb+1ast, M.Mazeika 15+3reb+5ast, D.McClure 14+9reb+3ast, M.Runkauskas 8+3reb+5ast, S.Galdikas 7+7reb Pieno Zvaigzdes: T.Hughes 29+2reb+3ast, T.Biggs 14+3reb, E.Kairys 6+3reb+1ast, G.Sirutavicius 6+2ast, Y.Gates 4+2reb+1ast, P.Beliavicius 3+1reb+1ast
The game in Panevezys was also worth to mention about. 6th ranked Juventus (4-5) played at the court of seventh ranked Lietkabelis (5-4). Lietkabelis defeated Juventus 116-102. The game was mostly controlled by Lietkabelis. Juventus was better in third quarter 31-27. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Lietkabelis shot 62.3 percent from the field. They shot the lights out from three nailing 16 long-distance shots on high 61.5 percentage. Lietkabelis players were unselfish on offense dishing 29 assists. Arnas Butkevicius (196-92) notched 29 points and 8 assists (on 11-of-12 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and center Mindaugas Kupsas (215-91) supported him with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Even 26 points and 9 rebounds by forward Nerijus Varnelis (201-78) did not help to save the game for Juventus. point guard Aidas Viskontas (183-86) added 17 points and 8 assists for the guests. Four Lietkabelis and five Juventus players scored in double figures. Lietkabelis moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Nevezis. Juventus lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with five games lost. Lietkabelis will play against Lietuvos rytas (#8) in Vilnius in the next round. Juventus will play at home against Siauliai and hopes to get back on the winning track. Top scorers: Lietkabelis: A.Butkevicius 29+3reb+8ast, M.Kupsas 16+7reb+1ast, K.Babkauskas 14+4ast, K.Cipruss 12+2reb+1ast, A.Drungilas 11+2reb+2ast, M.Andriukaitis 10+1ast Juventus: N.Varnelis 26+9reb+2ast, D.Gvezdauskas 19+3reb+4ast, A.Viskontas 17+1reb+8ast, K.Petrukonis 13+4reb, P.Morkeliunas 11+2reb+2ast, A.Cepulis 8+2reb+1ast
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Donatas Zavackas selected the top Lithuanian playing abroad in last week's games - May 24, 2013
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We bring you last week's top performances from Lithuanians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level. This week's number one is an experienced former U20 international forward Donatas Zavackas (203-80), who plays in Latvia. He could not help VEF Riga (11-7) in their last game. Despite Zavackas' very good performance the fourth-placed VEF Riga was crushed 104-82 on the road by the leading Khimky in the group B of VTB United Le [read more]
We bring you last week's top performances from Lithuanians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.
#1. This week's number one is an experienced former U20 international forward Donatas Zavackas (203-80, college: Pittsburgh, currently plays in VTB United League), who plays in Latvia. He could not help VEF Riga (11-7) in their last game. Despite Zavackas' very good performance the fourth-placed VEF Riga was crushed 104-82 on the road by the leading Khimky in the group B of VTB United League.
He was the second best scorer with 19 points. Zavackas also added 6 rebounds in 31 minutes on the court.
It's Zavackas' first season with the team.
This year he averages: 9.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 42.9%, 3FGP: 48.3%(58-120) and FT: 71.0% in the 24 games he played so far.
Zavackas played for the Lithuanian U20 national team thirteen years ago.
#2. Second place goes to former University international center Michailis Anisimovas (214-84, currently plays in Ukraine). He led Budivelnyk to a victory over the closely-ranked Azovmash (25-14) 80-63 in the Ukrainian Superleague last Wednesday.
Anisimovas was MVP of the game. He recorded 18 points and grabbed 4 rebounds.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Budivelnyk Kyiv (28-11) is placed first in the Superleague.
Anisimovas is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fourth year in Budivelnyk's roster.
Anisimovas has relatively good stats this season: 10.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 52.5% and FT: 58.1%.
He has a dual citizenship: Lithuanian and Ukrainian.
Former BC Siauliai starter played for the Lithuanian university national team in 2007.
#3. The Lithuanian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international swingman Jonas Maciulis (199-85, currently plays in Greece). Maciulis contributed to Panathinaikos' victory against the closely-ranked PAOK (17-9) 71-61 in the Greek A1 on Saturday night.
He scored 8 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 28 minutes.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Panathinaikos Athens (21-1) is placed first in the A1.
It was his team's 16th consecutive victory in a row.
They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And that game will be critical.
This year Maciulis' overall stats are: 9.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 57.3%(43-75), 3FGP: 39.2% and FT: 69.6% in the 26 games.
He is also a member of the Lithuanian senior national team.
#4. Point guard Mantas Kalnietis (195-86, agency: Interperformances, currently plays in VTB United League) contributed to Lokomotiv's victory against the closely-ranked Unics Kazan (14-4) 77-65 in the VTB United League in Thursday night's game.
Kalnietis scored 10 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 4 assists.
Lokomotiv Kuban (12-6) is placed third in group B.
This season Kalnietis has relatively solid stats: 13.5ppg, 2.7rpg and 4.1apg.
He is also Lithuanian national team player.
#5. International center Antanas Kavaliauskas (207-84, also represented by Interperformances, college: Texas A&M, currently plays in Latvia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Donatas Zavackas. But that was another game of his team in Latvian LBL which we would like to mention.
Kavaliauskas contributed to a 2-point VEF Riga's victory against the closely-ranked Ventspils (8-2) 74-72.
He scored 7 points, had 9 rebounds and dished 4 assists in 26 minutes.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. VEF Riga (19-1) is placed fourth in the LBL.
It was his team's 14th consecutive victory in a row.
Kavaliauskas has reliable stats this year: 10.8ppg, 4.9rpg and 1.4apg in the 20 games.
He plays currently for the Lithuanian national team.
#6. Guard Vaidotas Peciukas (199-82, college: Hawaii, currently plays in Romania), who plays in the Romanian Liga Nationala was not able to help Targu Mures (23-7) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Peciukas' very good performance the league leader Targu Mures was defeated 83-78 at home by the lower-ranked Ploiesti (#3).
He was the top scorer with 20 points. Peciukas also added 6 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line).
Peciukas' stats this season are: 14.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.6apg and 1.1spg.
He is a former university international player as he played for the Lithuanian team eight years ago.
#7. Former international forward Dainius Salenga (197-77, currently plays in Ukraine) is a teammate of previously mentioned Michailis Anisimovas. However that was another game of his team in Ukrainian Superleague which brought him to that list.
Salenga was not able to secure a victory for Budivelnyk (28-11) in their game against Azovmash (25-14).
He scored 8 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 20 minutes.
The league leader Budivelnyk lost 73-77 on their home court in Kyiv to the lower-ranked (#3) Azovmash.
This year Salenga's total stats are: 8.3ppg, 2.9rpg and 2.0apg in the 44 games.
He used to play for the Lithuanian national team
eight years ago.
#8. Point guard Arvydas Eitutavicius (188-82, college: American, currently plays in Poland) was the main contributor in Anwil's victory against the leader PGE Turow (23-9) 75-63 in the Polish TBL last Thursday.
Eitutavicius was the best player in that game. He scored 17 points.
Anwil Wloclawek (18-14) is placed fifth in Places 1-6 group.
Eitutavicius has averaged so far 7.1ppg, 1.7rpg and 1.3apg.
He used to play for the Lithuanian national team
back in 2010.
#9. International small forward Simas Jasaitis (202-82, currently plays in VTB United League) is a teammate of previously mentioned Mantas Kalnietis. But that was another game of his team in VTB United League we would like to talk about.
Jasaitis couldn't help Lokomotiv (12-6) in their game against Unics Kazan (14-4).
He scored 7 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.
Lokomotiv (#3) was edged 68-65 on their home court in Kuban by the second-ranked Unics Kazan in the group B of VTB United League.
Jasaitis has averaged so far 7.5ppg, 3.7rpg and 1.2apg.
He is also in the roster of the Lithuanian national team.
#10. Point guard Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-76, college: Maryland, currently plays in Spain) managed to help Regal FC Barcelona in a 1-point victoryagainst one of league's weakest teams Lagun Aro GBC (8-26) 90-89 in the Spanish ACB last Thursday.
Jasikevicius recorded 5 points in 11 minutes.
Regal FC Barcelona (23-11) is placed third in the ACB.
It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row.
They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial.
Jasikevicius has averaged so far 5.6ppg and 2.0apg in the 24 games.
He is an international player who is currently on the senior Lithuanian National Team roster.
#11. Former international guard Martynas Gecevicius (193-88, currently plays in Greece) contributed to Olympiacos' victory against the eighth-ranked Apollon Patras 77-63 in the Greek A1 in Wednesday night's game.
He recorded only 3 points in 4 minutes on the court.
Gecevicius has averaged so far 8.4ppg, 1.5rpg and 1.4apg in the 17 games.
He used to play for the Lithuanian national team
two years ago.
#12. Former U21 international point guard Linas Lekavicius (186-84, college: American, currently plays in Russia) contributed to Universitet-Yugra's victory against the closely-ranked Ural Ekaterinburg 87-79 in the Russian Superleague (second division) last Tuesday.
Lekavicius recorded a double-double by scoring 14 points and getting 12 rebounds. He also added 9 assists.
Lekavicius belongs to league's best passers (ranked #3) and also on the list of most steals (fifth place).
He has very reliable stats this season: 12.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 5.1apg and 1.8spg.
Lekavicius used to play for the Lithuanian U21 national team
back in 2003.
#13. U20 international shooting guard Vytenis Cizauskas (190-92, currently plays in Spain) couldn't help Blancos de Rueda in their game against G.Canaria 2014 in the Spanish ACB.
He recorded 9 points in 25 minutes.
His team was badly defeated by 16 points 78-62.
This year Cizauskas averages only 2.6ppg in the 25 games.
He is also Lithuanian U20 national team player.
#14. Former international guard Donatas Slanina (192-77, currently plays in Italy) couldn't help Trenkwalder RE in their game against Lottomatica Roma in the Italian SerieA.
Slanina scored 5 points.
His team was defeated 74-69.
This season he averages only 4.1ppg.
Slanina used to play for the Lithuanian national team
back in 2004.
#15. Former U20 international guard Mantas Cesnauskis (191-81, currently plays in Poland) contributed to an easy victory against the leader AZS Koszalin crushing them 96-66 in the Polish TBL last Friday.
He scored only 2 points and added 3 assists in 17 minutes.
Cesnauskis has averaged so far 5.9ppg, 1.5rpg and 2.1apg in the 35 games.
He used to play for the Lithuanian U20 national team
thirteen years ago.
The list of other players, who all have Lithuanian passport but never been selected to any of Lithuanian national teams:
#1. Experienced Christopher Young (206-F/C-79, college: Michigan, currently plays in Belgium) contributed to a Okapi Aalstar's victory against the league leader Base Oostende (20-8) 95-84 in the Belgian Ethias League on Tuesday night.
Young recorded 8 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in 27 minutes.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Generali Okapi Aalstar (17-11) is placed fourth in the Ethias League.
Young is currently third on the league's list of best rebounders and also on the list of best blockers (fifth place).
He has averaged so far 9.7ppg and 6.4rpg in the 30 games he played so far.
Young is a naturalized American.
Strangely he has never played in Lithuania.
#2.Benas Veikalas (192-G-83, college: Metro St., currently plays in Germany), who plays in the German BBL could not help Telekom Baskets (18-16) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Veikalas' good performance Telekom Baskets was defeated 89-80 on the road by the second-ranked EWE Baskets.
He scored 12 points.
Veikalas averaged so far 11.4ppg, 2.6rpg and 1.3apg.
Rimantas Kaukenas and Darius Songaila confirm EuroBasket absence - May 23, 2013
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Rimantas Kaukenas (192-SG-77, college: Seton Hall) and Darius Songaila (204-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) confirm EuroBasket absence. Two Lithuanian veterans will not help the National team in Slovenia.
Rimantas Kaukenas enjoys the season with Zalgiris. The Lithuanian star came back from Italy last year. Montepaschi Siena enjoyed two seasons with the shooting guard Rimantas Kaukenas. In 2011-2012 for Montepaschi Siena he averaged 14 [read more]
Rimantas Kaukenas (192-SG-77, college: Seton Hall) and Darius Songaila (204-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) confirm EuroBasket absence. Two Lithuanian veterans will not help the National team in Slovenia. Rimantas Kaukenas enjoys the season with Zalgiris. The Lithuanian star came back from Italy last year. Montepaschi Siena enjoyed two seasons with the shooting guard Rimantas Kaukenas. In 2011-2012 for Montepaschi Siena he averaged 14.5ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 64.3% in Euroleague and in Italian League after 23 games showed 9.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 84.1%. Earlier Rimantas Kaukenas played for Real Madrid. He played 18 Euroleague games collecting 10.3 ppg, 1.1 rpg and 1.3 apg. In the Spanish league, Kaukenas added 8.3 ppg, 1.1 rpg and 1.1 apg for 29 games. Darius Songaila finished the season with BC Donetsk (Ukraine-Superleague). In EuroCup his stats read 13.8ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 56.3%, FT: 84.6%. In Ukrainian Superleague he showed 15. 9 points per game.
Linas Kleiza is confirmed for Lithuanian National Team - May 21, 2013
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Linas Kleiza (203-SF-85, college: Missouri) is confirmed for Lithuanian National Team. The NBA Star will play for the team at EuroBasket 2013.
Linas Kleiza is a well-known player not only in Europe, but also in the US. He played for Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets and then head back to Europe for one season. In 2009-2010 Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus offered a stunning 2,300,000 salary for him as he averaged 14.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 59 [read more]
Linas Kleiza (203-SF-85, college: Missouri) is confirmed for Lithuanian National Team. The NBA Star will play for the team at EuroBasket 2013. Linas Kleiza is a well-known player not only in Europe, but also in the US. He played for Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets and then head back to Europe for one season. In 2009-2010 Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus offered a stunning 2,300,000 salary for him as he averaged 14.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 80.0%. In Euroleague he became the top-scorer with 17.1ppg, Reb-4 (6.5rpg), 1.3apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 79.8% In 2010-2011 moved to Toronto Raptors (NBA, starting five) and averaged 11.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 63.1%. In 2011-2012 for Toronto Raptors (NBA) his stats read 9.7ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 81.0%. Last season Linas Kleiza showed 7.4 points per game. Paulius Jankunas (205-PF-84, agency: Alti Sport) and Martynas Pocius (196-SG-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) were named in the 15-strong Lithuanian national team preliminary squad as well.
Juventus: took 3rd place (5-5) in Group B of the First Stage, took 3rd place
(4-2) in Group G of the Second Stage
Lietkabelis: took 2nd place (8-2) in Group B of the First Stage, took 4th
(last) place (1-5) in Group E of the Second Stage
LSU-Baltai: took 5th (last) place (1-7) in Group D of the First Stage
Naglis Palangos: took 3rd place (5-5) in Group A of the First Stage, took
4th (last) place (0-6) in Group F of the Second Stage
Nevezis: took 5th place (4-6) in Group C of the First Stage
Pieno Zvaigzdes: took 1st place (8-0) in Group D of the First Stage, took
1st place (4-2) in Group G, lost to Kalev/Cramo 1-1 (-14) in the Quarterfinals
Rudupis: took 1st place (10-0) in Group C of the First Stage, took 1st place
(5-1) in Group F of the Second Stage, lost to Ventspils 1-1 (-19) in the Finals
!!!
Sakalai: took 4th place (5-5) in Group C of the First Stage, took 4th (last)
place (1-5) in Group H of the Second Stage
Siauliai: took 2nd place (8-2) in Group A of the First Stage, took 1st place
(4-2) in Group H of the Second Stage, lost to Ventspils 1-1 (-4) in the
Quarterfinals
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