The teams have now bigger motivation at this stage of Regular Season. Every game can be crucial and decide about teams' position at the end of Regular Season. There was no lack of interesting games this round. The round ended with derby games and favorites losing the games.
The most interesting game of round 31 was a home defeat of 3rd placed Olimpas (22-9) to second ranked Dzukija (23-8) 93-80 in the game for the second place. 26 personal fouls committed by Olimpas helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for guard Mindaugas Reminas (190-86) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Polish center Cezary Trybanski (218-79) helped adding 14 points and 10 rebounds. At the losing side forward Audrius Maneikis (203-84, college: Motlow St. CC) responded with 24 points and 7 rebounds. Olimpas' coach Alidas Zukauskas rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Dzukija have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Newly promoted Dzukija maintains second place with 23-8 record having just two points less than leader Mazeikiai. Olimpas at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the third position with nine games lost. Dzukija are looking forward to face Birstono (#14) in Kaunas in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Olimpas will play on the road against Zanavykas (#6) in Sakiai and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident. NKL top team - Mazeikiai (25-6) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed thirteenth ranked Birstono (12-19) 95-71. It was a quality performance for forward Osvaldas Macernis (196-82) who led the winners and scored 21 points and 8 rebounds. Rokas Giedraitis accounted for 22 points. Forward Paulius Petrilevicius (201-91) came up with 19 points for Birstono in the defeat. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Mazeikiai. They maintain first place with 25-6 record. Birstono at the other side keeps the thirteenth position with 19 games lost. They share it with Delikatesas. Mazeikiai will play against Delikatesas (#13) in Joniskis in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Birstono will play at home against the league's second-placed Dzukija in Alytus and hopes to get back on the winning track. Eighteenth-ranked Nafta Universitetas (5-26) gave a tough game to sixteenth ranked Silute (10-21) on Friday. Silute managed to secure only one-point victory 89-88. However their fans expected easier game. Gytis Pakalniskis fired a double-double by scoring 27 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Tadas Mazelis produced 22 points (made all of his eight free throws) for lost side. Silute moved-up to fifteenth place, which they share with Ezerunas-Karys. Nafta Universitetas lost their twelfth game in a row. They stay dead last with 26 lost games. Silute will meet higher ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio (#8) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Nafta Universitetas will play against Perlas-MRU (#11) in Vilnius and hope to secure a win. An interesting game took place in Pakruojis where higher ranked Meresta (15-16) was upset on its own court by fourteenth ranked Radviliskis (12-18) 74-67. Worth to mention a great performance of Antanas Montrimavicius who helped to win the game recording 11 points and 8 rebounds. Meresta's coach Dainius Bertulis tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Radviliskis moved-up to twelfth place. Meresta at the other side keeps the tenth position with 16 games lost. Radviliskis' next round opponent will be Ezerunas-Karys (#15) in Moletai. Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Vilnius: S.Marciulionio (#9) and Perlas-MRU (#11). Perlas-MRU was defeated at home 77-91 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. It was a great evening for Tautvydas Slezas who led his team to a victory scoring 16 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Perlas-MRU's coach Erikas Kuciauskas let to play ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. S.Marciulionio maintains ninth place with 17-15 record. Loser Perlas-MRU keeps the eleventh position with 18 games lost. S.Marciulionio will face Meresta (#10) in Pakruojis in the next round. Perlas-MRU will play on the road against Nafta Universitetas in Klaipeda.
There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 31: Delikatesas lost to Triobet on the opponent's court 74-78. Ezerunas-Karys was outscored by Suduva-Mantinga in a home game 64-85. Zalgiris-Sabonio managed to beat Gargzdai on the road 85-71. Olimpas defeated Statyba on its own court 88-72. Zanavykas was beaten by Dzukija in Alytus 99-85. Dzukija won against Gargzdai at home 82-69. The most impressive stats of the last round was 25 points and 8 rebounds by Martynas Linkevicius of Triobet.
NKL top team - Mazeikiai (25-6) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed thirteenth ranked Birstono (12-19) 95-71. The game was mostly controlled by Mazeikiai. Birstono was better in fourth quarter 28-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Mazeikiai dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Birstono's 26. They outrebounded Birstono 43-29 including a 35-23 advantage in defensive rebounds. Mazeikiai players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. It was a quality performance for forward Osvaldas Macernis (196-82) who led the winners and scored 21 points and 8 rebounds. Rokas Giedraitis (198-92) accounted for 22 points for the winning side. Forward Paulius Petrilevicius (201-91) came up with 19 points and Donatas Sabeckis added 15 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Birstono in the defeat. Five Mazeikiai and four Birstono players scored in double figures. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Mazeikiai. They maintain first place with 25-6 record. Birstono at the other side keeps the thirteenth position with 19 games lost. They share it with Delikatesas. Mazeikiai will play against Delikatesas (#13) in Joniskis in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Birstono will play at home against the league's second-placed Dzukija in Alytus and hopes to get back on the winning track. Top scorers: Mazeikiai: R.Giedraitis 22+3reb+1ast, O.Macernis 21+8reb+3ast, A.Kojenets 16+4reb+1ast, A.Mikutis 12+6reb+3ast, V.Pikalavicius 10+10reb+1ast, E.Zukauskas 6+3reb Birstono: P.Petrilevicius 19+4reb+3ast, D.Sabeckis 15+6reb+2ast, M.Lukminas 15+5reb, V.Valiulis 11+3reb, Z.Krupskis 4+3reb+2ast, K.Kokoska 3+2reb
Very expected game in Jonava where 12th ranked Delikatesas (12-19) was defeated by fifth ranked Triobet (20-11) 78-74 on Friday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Delikatesas trailed by 11 points after 3 quarters before a 22-15 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 74-78 at the end of the game. Delikatesas was plagued by 31 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for forward Martynas Linkevicius (197-85) who led his team to a victory scoring 25 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Tadas Sebeziovas (183-85) helped adding 13 points. Triobet's coach Kestutis Narusevicius used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side guard Aivaras Kvedaravicius (184-88) responded with 11 points and 8 rebounds and swingman Mantas Pukinskas (198-89) scored 13 points and 6 rebounds. The victory was the third consecutive win for Triobet. They maintain fifth place with 20-11 record. Loser Delikatesas dropped to the thirteenth position with 19 games lost. Triobet will face higher ranked Suduva-Mantinga (#4) in Marijampole in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Delikatesas will play at home against the league's leader Mazeikiai (#1). Top scorers: Triobet: M.Linkevicius 25+8reb+2ast, T.Sebeziovas 13+4reb+2ast, I.Dauksys 9+4reb+1ast, H.Vorotnikovas 9+5reb+3ast, T.Milinskas 7+5reb+2ast, V.Kruzikas 4+2reb+1ast Delikatesas: Z.Petraitis 15+6reb, M.Pukinskas 13+6reb+2ast, A.Kvedaravicius 11+8reb+3ast, E.Vaupsas 8+1reb+1ast, D.Girdvila 7, P.Klemas 7+2reb+2ast
Very predictable result in Moletai where fourth ranked Suduva-Mantinga (21-10) smashed 15th ranked Ezerunas-Karys (10-21) 85-64 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by Suduva-Mantinga. Ezerunas-Karys was better in third quarter 21-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Suduva-Mantinga forced 23 Ezerunas-Karys turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a great evening for forward Marius Valukonis (198-88) who led his team to a victory scoring 14 points and 5 assists. Guard Zilvinas Kuklierius (180-85) helped adding 11 points and 5 assists. Four Suduva-Mantinga players scored in double figures. Suduva-Mantinga's coach Gintautas Zibuda felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side swingman Dainius Navickas (195-78) responded with 23 points and 7 rebounds and forward Raimundas Ambrulaitis (199-82) scored 14 points and 6 rebounds. The victory was the third consecutive win for Suduva-Mantinga. They maintain fourth place with 21-10 record. Loser Ezerunas-Karys keeps the fifteenth position with 21 games lost. Suduva-Mantinga will face Triobet (#5) in Jonava in the next round. Ezerunas-Karys will play on the road against Radviliskis (#12). Top scorers: Suduva-Mantinga: M.Valukonis 14+4reb+5ast, A.Zibuda 14+1ast, Z.Kuklierius 11+2reb+5ast, A.Mineikis 10+7reb, A.Cizikas 9+2reb+3ast, A.Krivonis 7+4reb+2ast Ezerunas-Karys: D.Navickas 23+7reb, R.Ambrulaitis 14+6reb+2ast, T.Grybauskas 9+1reb, K.Alekna 6+3reb+3ast, L.Bankieta 4+1reb+2ast, J.Narusis 2+2reb
An interesting game took place in Pakruojis where higher ranked Meresta (15-16) was upset on its own court by fourteenth ranked Radviliskis (12-18) 74-67. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 22-13. But Meresta won second period 20-13. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Antanas Montrimavicius (199-87) who helped to win the game recording 11 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Vitalis Pancerevas (185-87, college: Weatherford JC) contributed with 17 points (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) for the winners. Guard Tomas Gaidamavicius (191-82) answered with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists and center Julius Jucikas (205-89) added 16 points in the effort for Meresta. Four Meresta players scored in double figures. Meresta's coach Dainius Bertulis tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Radviliskis moved-up to twelfth place. Meresta at the other side keeps the tenth position with 16 games lost. Radviliskis' next round opponent will be Ezerunas-Karys (#15) in Moletai. Top scorers: Radviliskis: V.Pancerevas 17+2reb+1ast, L.Pipiras 13+5reb, A.Montrimavicius 11+8reb+2ast, E.Kaupaitis 8+6reb, V.Trepocka 8+2reb+3ast, D.Gricius 8+3reb Meresta: J.Jucikas 16+4reb+1ast, M.Kadzevicius 13+4reb+1ast, I.Vaitkus 10+2reb, T.Gaidamavicius 10+12reb+7ast, L.Radavicius 6+3reb+1ast, A.Povilaitis 6+4reb+2ast
Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Vilnius: S.Marciulionio (#9) and Perlas-MRU (#11). Perlas-MRU was defeated at home 77-91 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. The game was mostly controlled by S.Marciulionio. Perlas-MRU was better in fourth quarter 19-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great evening for center Tautvydas Slezas (207-90, agency: Interperformances) who led his team to a victory scoring 16 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Power forward Giedrius Staniulis (205-91) helped adding 15 points and 9 rebounds. At the losing side power forward Mantas Virbalas (203-88) responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 15 rebounds and American guard Keyron Sheard (188-86, college: Chattanooga) scored 22 points and 4 assists. Five S.Marciulionio and four Perlas-MRU players scored in double figures. Perlas-MRU's coach Erikas Kuciauskas let to play ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. S.Marciulionio maintains ninth place with 17-15 record. Loser Perlas-MRU keeps the eleventh position with 18 games lost. S.Marciulionio will face Meresta (#10) in Pakruojis in the next round. Perlas-MRU will play on the road against Nafta Universitetas in Klaipeda. Top scorers: S.Marciulionio: E.Baniulis 16+5reb+3ast, R.Bitinas 16+2ast, T.Slezas 16+8reb+6ast, G.Staniulis 15+9reb+2ast, M.Pociukonis 12+3reb+6ast, R.Sugintas 7+4reb Perlas-MRU: K.Sheard 22+3reb+4ast, M.Virbalas 17+15reb+3ast, A.Udras 11+6reb+1ast, V.Buzas 11+1reb, D.Bickauskis 5+1reb+1ast, J.Elvikis 3+1reb
Eighteenth-ranked Nafta Universitetas (5-26) gave a tough game to sixteenth ranked Silute (10-21) on Friday. Silute managed to secure only one-point victory 89-88. However their fans expected easier game. Nafta Universitetas was trailing by 8 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 24-22 charge of Silute, which allowed them to win the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Power forward Gytis Pakalniskis (205-89) fired a double-double by scoring 27 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Swingman Marius Kasiulevicius (198-82, college: Trinity Valley JC) chipped in 18 points and 5 rebounds. Four Silute players scored in double figures. Swingman Tadas Mazelis (194-92) produced 22 points (made all of his eight free throws) and forward Donatas Norkus (196-90) added 8 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Silute moved-up to fifteenth place, which they share with Ezerunas-Karys. Nafta Universitetas lost their twelfth game in a row. They stay dead last with 26 lost games. Silute will meet higher ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio (#8) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Nafta Universitetas will play against Perlas-MRU (#11) in Vilnius and hope to secure a win. Top scorers: Silute: G.Pakalniskis 27+10reb+5ast, M.Kasiulevicius 18+5reb+2ast, D.Heiman 13+3reb+2ast, E.Molosciakas 11+2reb+2ast, N.Anglickis 8+3reb+1ast, E.Saulys 8+9reb+5ast Nafta Universitetas: T.Mazelis 22+4reb+2ast, V.Chodosovskis 17+4reb, D.Zvinklys 12+3reb+1ast, D.Norkus 8+11reb+5ast, K.Timofejevas 8+1reb, V.Tarolis 8+3reb+1ast
Not a big story in a game when 17th ranked Gargzdai-Bremena (6-26) was defeated at home by eighth ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio (19-12) 85-71 on Friday. The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 9-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 85-71. Zalgiris-Sabonio had a 28-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great evening for center Arturas Gudaitis (208-93) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds. Forward Marius Grigonis (198-94) helped adding 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Zalgiris-Sabonio's coach Tomas Masiulis used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. At the losing side forward Donatas Tarolis (201-94) responded with 21 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and forward Marius Grigaitis (196-91) scored 16 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Zalgiris-Sabonio moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Zanavykas and Statyba. Loser Gargzdai-Bremena keeps the seventeenth position with 26 games lost. Zalgiris-Sabonio will face Silute (#16) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Gargzdai-Bremena will play against Statyba in Vilnius. Top scorers: Zalgiris-Sabonio: A.Gudaitis 17+11reb+2ast, M.Grigonis 16+6reb+5ast, J.Tamulis 13+1reb+1ast, L.Lekavicius 11+5reb+1ast, E.Serkevicius 9+2reb+1ast, V.Kariniauskas 5+1reb+1ast Gargzdai: D.Tarolis 21+6reb, M.Grigaitis 16+4reb+2ast, G.Sakalas 13+2reb+2ast, D.Matutis 10+3reb+5ast, L.Jonuska 8+3reb, R.Zabita 2+4reb
Everything went according to plan in Plunge where third ranked Olimpas (22-9) beat 7th ranked Statyba (19-12) 88-72 on Friday. The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 47-27 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Olimpas outrebounded Statyba 34-22 including 23 on the defensive glass. Statyba was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for American guard Toney McCray (198-89, college: Nebraska, agency: Interperformances) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward Julius Kazakauskas (197-90) helped adding 18 points and 6 rebounds. At the losing side point guard Ovidijus Varanauskas (187-91) responded with 14 points and 6 assists and forward Karolis Brusokas (200-91) scored 16 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Newly promoted Olimpas maintains third place with 22-9 record having just three points less than leader Mazeikiai. Loser Statyba dropped to the sixth position with 12 games lost. Olimpas will face Zanavykas (#6) in Sakiai in the next round. Statyba will play at home against Gargzdai-Bremena. Top scorers: Olimpas: T.McCray 18+13reb+5ast, J.Kazakauskas 18+6reb+1ast, M.Kazonas 13+6reb+1ast, I.Razutis 11+4reb+2ast, T.Domarkas 9+2reb, E.Gintvainis 8+1reb+1ast Statyba: K.Brusokas 16+3reb+1ast, D.Tarvydas 15+3reb, T.Rinkunas 14+2reb+3ast, O.Varanauskas 14+3reb+6ast, V.Luksa 7+2reb+1ast, M.Paliukenas 5+3reb+5ast
There was no surprise in Alytus where 6th ranked Zanavykas (19-12) was defeated by second ranked Dzukija (23-8) 99-85 on Friday. The hosts trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 99-85. Dzukija forced 20 Zanavykas turnovers. Zanavykas was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for swingman Tomas Lekunas (200-93) who led his team to a victory scoring 16 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. American guard Bryan Harrison (188-84, college: Georgia Coll., agency: Global Sports Plaza) helped adding 26 points and 4 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). At the losing side guard Edgaras Stanionis (193-88) responded with 26 points and 8 rebounds and center Vilius Sumskis (213-84, agency: Interperformances) scored 14 points and 8 rebounds. Four Zanavykas players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Dzukija. Newly promoted Dzukija maintains second place with 23-8 record having just two points less than leader Mazeikiai. Zanavykas at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the sixth position with 12 games lost. Dzukija will face Birstono (#14) in Kaunas in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Zanavykas will play at home against Olimpas (#3) in Plunge. Top scorers: Dzukija: B.Harrison 26+2reb+4ast, G.Kurtinaitis 17+2reb+1ast, T.Lekunas 16+9reb+7ast, C.Trybanski 9+7reb, T.Skripkauskas 8+1reb+2ast, Z.Kelys 8+2reb+2ast Zanavykas: E.Stanionis 26+8reb+3ast, V.Sumskis 14+8reb+1ast, P.Parachomikas 13+3reb+1ast, M.Uzupis 10+2reb+1ast, R.Ostreika 6+1reb+1ast, V.Vaiksnis 5+6reb+2ast
The most interesting game of round 31 was a home defeat of 3rd placed Olimpas (22-9) to second ranked Dzukija (23-8) 93-80 in the game for the second place. 26 personal fouls committed by Olimpas helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for guard Mindaugas Reminas (190-86) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Polish center Cezary Trybanski (218-79) helped adding 14 points and 10 rebounds. At the losing side forward Audrius Maneikis (203-84, college: Motlow St. CC) responded with 24 points and 7 rebounds and forward Julius Kazakauskas (197-90) scored 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Dzukija and five Olimpas players scored in double figures. Olimpas' coach Alidas Zukauskas rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Dzukija have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Newly promoted Dzukija maintains second place with 23-8 record having just two points less than leader Mazeikiai. Olimpas at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the third position with nine games lost. Dzukija are looking forward to face Birstono (#14) in Kaunas in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Olimpas will play on the road against Zanavykas (#6) in Sakiai and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident. Top scorers: Dzukija: M.Reminas 20+5reb+4ast, T.Skripkauskas 16+1reb+1ast, C.Trybanski 14+10reb+1ast, Z.Kelys 12+3reb+1ast, G.Kurtinaitis 9+3reb, B.Harrison 8+3reb+9ast Olimpas: A.Maneikis 24+7reb+3ast, J.Kazakauskas 16+7reb+5ast, I.Razutis 16+1reb+6ast, M.Kazonas 13+12reb, T.McCray 11+4reb, E.Jocys 0+1reb
No shocking result in a game in Alytus where second ranked Dzukija (23-8) won against 17th ranked Gargzdai-Bremena (6-26) 82-69 on Tuesday. The game was mostly controlled by Dzukija. Gargzdai-Bremena was better in third quarter 22-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Dzukija won last quarter 22-10. They shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 53.8 percentage. Dzukija looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a great evening for American guard Bryan Harrison (188-84, college: Georgia Coll., agency: Global Sports Plaza) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. Polish center Cezary Trybanski (218-79) helped adding 12 points and 6 rebounds. Four Dzukija players scored in double figures. At the losing side forward Donatas Tarolis (201-94) responded with 22 points and 8 rebounds and point guard Dominikas Matutis (180-91) scored 12 points and 5 rebounds. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Dzukija. Newly promoted Dzukija maintains second place with 23-8 record having just two points less than leader Mazeikiai. Loser Gargzdai-Bremena keeps the seventeenth position with 26 games lost. Dzukija will face Birstono (#14) in Kaunas in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Gargzdai-Bremena will play on the road against Statyba in Vilnius. Top scorers: Dzukija: B.Harrison 24+2reb+6ast, C.Trybanski 12+6reb+1ast, P.Sakinis 11+2reb+1ast, T.Skripkauskas 10+3reb+1ast, Z.Kelys 9+1reb+5ast, M.Reminas 8+2reb+3ast Gargzdai: D.Tarolis 22+8reb, D.Matutis 12+5reb+3ast, M.Grigaitis 11+5reb+1ast, L.Lucinskas 9+2reb+1ast, L.Jonuska 8+6reb+2ast, G.Sakalas 5+1reb+3ast
VTB League: Zalgiris opens Semifinals on a high note - May 24, 2013
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Zalgiris - Lokomotiv 80:53
Zalgiris open Semifinals on a high note and does not leave any chances for visiting Lokomotiv. In Game 1 the Lithuanian Champions posted an 80:53 victory.
Zalgiris led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They shot the lights out from three sinking 13 long-distance shots on high 54.2 percentage. Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) fired 19 points and 6 rebounds for the winners [read more]
Zalgiris - Lokomotiv 80:53
Zalgiris open Semifinals on a high note and does not leave any chances for visiting Lokomotiv. In Game 1 the Lithuanian Champions posted an 80:53 victory. Zalgiris led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They shot the lights out from three sinking 13 long-distance shots on high 54.2 percentage. Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) fired 19 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Mindaugas Kuzminskas (205-F-89) chipped in 15 points. Darius Lavrinovic scored 8 and Oliver Lafayette (188-G-84, college: Houston) added 7. Mantas Kalnietis (195-PG-86, agency: Interperformances) produced 12 points and American-Greek point guard Nick Calathes (198-PG-89, college: Florida) added 6 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Game 2 is scheduled for tomorrow, May 25th.
Tautvydas Lydeka extends contract with Lietuvos Rytas - May 24, 2013
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Lietuvos Rytas and Tautvydas Lydeka (208-C/F-83) have agreed on terms of contract extension. The centre signed a new one-year deal with the Vilnius team. Tautvydas Lydeka joined Lietuvos Rytas back in February. He tallied 8.8 points and 5.0 boards per game in LKL. The centre also notched 7.0 points, 3.3 boards and 1.0 assist per game in VTB League. The centre started the season with Krasnie Krilya. Lydeka delivered 2.3 points and 2.8 rebounds per EuroChallenge game [read more]
Lietuvos Rytas and Tautvydas Lydeka (208-C/F-83) have agreed on terms of contract extension. The centre signed a new one-year deal with the Vilnius team. Tautvydas Lydeka joined Lietuvos Rytas back in February. He tallied 8.8 points and 5.0 boards per game in LKL. The centre also notched 7.0 points, 3.3 boards and 1.0 assist per game in VTB League. The centre started the season with Krasnie Krilya. Lydeka delivered 2.3 points and 2.8 rebounds per EuroChallenge game. In VTB League his stats read 7.0 points and 2.9 rebounds per appearance. In PBL Lydeka had 2.7 points and 1.7 rebounds. Previously Tautvydas Lydeka had stints in Italy, Bosnia, Netherlands, Ukraine and Lithuania.
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.
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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