NKL Round 4 (Regular Season): P.Olimpas defeat Omega-Tauras

There were just four 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 surprising game was the first loss of Omega-Tauras (3-1) in Kaunas on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by thirteenth ranked P.Olimpas (2-2) 93-82. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Omega-Tauras. P.Olimpas shot 64.2 percent from the field and made 20-of-24 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Thomas Miles (188-1998, college: WPU) who helped to win the game recording 20 points and 6 assists. point guard Ignas Razutis (186-1987) contributed with 21 points, 5 assists and 5 steals (made all of his ten free throws !!!) for the winners. point guard Azuolas Hopenas (179-2007) replied with 16 points for Omega-Tauras. Omega-Tauras' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. P.Olimpas moved-up to eighth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Omega-Tauras at the other side dropped to the third position with one game lost. They share it with Palanga. P.Olimpas is looking forward to face higher ranked Palanga (#4) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Omega-Tauras will play against Stekas and is hoping to win this game.
Alytus' fans can celebrate the first win of their team after three consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Atletas (0-3) 86-75. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard CJ Hall (188-2002, college: SIUE) who helped to win the game recording 27 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists and Sarunas Valunta who added 18 points and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side point guard Titas Didzgalvis (183-2006) responded with 18 points and 6 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Alytus (1-3) left bottom position moving up to thirteenth place, which they share with Mazeikiai and Kedainiai. It was Atletas' third loss in a row. Newly promoted team still closes the standings with three games lost. Alytus will play against higher ranked Vytis (#6) in Sakiai in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Atletas' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Kaunas to the arena Zalgiris II.
NKL top team - Jurbarkas (4-0) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they crushed eleventh ranked Mazeikiai (1-3) 91-62. The winners were led by Vytenis Lipkevicius who scored that evening 15 points and 8 rebounds. Even 19 points and 8 rebounds by Artem Lopukhov did not help to save the game for Mazeikiai. Jurbarkas have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record, which they share with Telsiai. Loser Mazeikiai dropped to the thirteenth place with three games lost. They share the position with Kedainiai and Alytus. Jurbarkas will meet bottom-ranked Rytas 2 (#18) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Mazeikiai will play against Kedainiai (#14) in Kedainiu and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games in round 4 were not that significant. Palanga smashed Rytas 2 on the road 103-81. Kedainiai lost to undefeated Telsiai on its own court 61-73. Stekas managed to outperform Kretinga in Vilnius 99-95. Neptunas-Akv. managed to beat Silute at home 73-70. Suduva-Mantinga defeated Zalgiris II on the opponent's court 106-94.



Rytas 2 - Palanga 81-103:
No shocking result in a game when sixth ranked Palanga (3-1) crushed bottom-ranked Rytas 2 (0-4) in Vilnius 103-81 on Saturday. Palanga dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Rytas 2's 48 and made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. Palanga looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Palanga made 7 blocks. The winners were led by American forward William Jenkins III (203-1996, college: Virginia Union, agency: BIG) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 30 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists (on 14-of-16 shooting from the field) and point guard Titas Janusevicius (190-2001) supported him with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists. Even 23 points and 7 assists by guard Jonas Trivokas (193-2008) did not help to save the game for Rytas 2. Forward Adomas Pocius (200) added 10 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Palanga moved-up to third place, which they share with Omega-Tauras. Loser Rytas 2 still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Kretinga. Palanga will meet at home P.Olimpas (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Rytas 2 will play against the league's leader Jurbarkas (#1) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Rytas 2: J.Trivokas 23+4reb+7ast, S.Nojus 13+3reb, A.Pocius 10+7reb+3ast, K.Martynas 10+2reb, A.Vincentas 7+5reb+3ast, B.Armandas 6+4reb+1ast
Palanga: J.William 30+10reb+4ast, U.Antanas 18+6reb+2ast, C.Armin 17+10reb+4ast, J.Titas 16+7reb+9ast, M.Liotisas 7+1reb, G.Lesciauskas 6+6reb+4ast

Alytus - Atletas 86-75:
Alytus' fans can celebrate the first win of their team after three consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Atletas (0-3) 86-75. Alytus forced 22 Atletas turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard CJ Hall (188-2002, college: SIUE) who helped to win the game recording 27 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists and point guard Sarunas Valunta (192-2000) who added 18 points and 4 assists during the contest. Four Alytus players scored in double figures. At the losing side point guard Titas Didzgalvis (183-2006) responded with 18 points and 6 assists and power forward Aistis Lukosevicius (211-2004) scored 10 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Alytus (1-3) left bottom position moving up to thirteenth place, which they share with Mazeikiai and Kedainiai. It was Atletas' third loss in a row. Newly promoted team still closes the standings with three games lost. Alytus will play against higher ranked Vytis (#6) in Sakiai in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Atletas' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Kaunas to the arena Zalgiris II.
Top scorers:
Atletas: D.Titas 18+4reb+6ast, L.Aistis 10+9reb+2ast, S.Justas 9+4reb, J.Stropus 9+4reb+2ast, M.Sarunas 7+5reb+1ast, M.Vytautas 7+3reb+1ast
Alytus: H.CJ 27+6reb+7ast, V.Sarunas 18+2reb+4ast, S.Mantvydas 15+3reb+3ast, G.Karolis 10+9reb+2ast, O.Vaitulevicius 5+1reb, V.Edas 5+8reb+2ast

Kedainiai - Telsiai 61-73:
Very expected game when 10th ranked Kedainiai (1-3) lost to top-ranked Telsiai (4-0) in Kedainiu 61-73 on Saturday. The winners were led by forward Julius Kazakauskas (196-1990) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 12 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists and center Tadas Budrys (205-2002) supported him with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Telsiai players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots) by Medas Kuprijanovas (197-1996) did not help to save the game for Kedainiai. point guard Paulius Semaska (184-1993) added 13 points and 4 assists for lost side. Kedainiai's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Telsiai have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Jurbarkas. Loser Kedainiai dropped to the thirteenth place with three games lost. They share the position with Mazeikiai and Alytus. Telsiai will meet Neptunas-Akv. (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Kedainiai will play against Mazeikiai and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kedainiai: M.Kuprijanovas 13+11reb+1ast, S.Paulius 13+4reb+4ast, S.Vainius 9+6reb+3ast, D.Laurynas 8+2reb+1ast, V.Vainius 7+4reb+2ast, M.Amir 6+5reb+2ast
Telsiai: B.Tadas 15+7reb+4ast, M.Quinton 14+3reb+3ast, V.Kevon 13+5reb, J.Kazakauskas 12+14reb+4ast, L.Kaveckis 11+6reb+1ast, R.Tomas 5+2reb

Kretinga - Stekas 95-99:
Rather predictable result when fourteenth ranked Stekas (2-2) won against on the road bottom-ranked Kretinga (0-4) 99-95 on Saturday. Stekas looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The winners were led by American-Haitian center Simeus Webster (203-1998, college: York, NE) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 25 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists (on 12-of-14 shooting from the field) and ex-international forward Darius Tarvydas (200) supported him with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Even 21 points and 7 rebounds by Klaidas Metrikis (204-2000, agency: Bell Basketball) did not help to save the game for Kretinga. point guard Mantvydas Staniulis (187-1997) added 14 points and 7 assists for lost side. Four Stekas and five Kretinga players scored in double figures. Kretinga's coach Arimantas Mikalocius tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Stekas moved-up to eighth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Kretinga still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Rytas 2. Stekas will meet higher ranked Omega-Tauras (#3) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Kretinga will play against Suduva-Mantinga (#5) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Kretinga: K.Metrikis 21+7reb+2ast, Y.Justin 18+1reb+4ast, M.Staniulis 14+3reb+7ast, J.Warren 12+3reb+2ast, D.Edgaras 11+2reb+2ast, B.Ernestas 7+2reb+4ast
Stekas: W.Simeus 25+10reb+4ast, T.Darius 23+8reb+2ast, G.Martynas 18+5reb+2ast, S.Edvinas 17+3reb+9ast, A.Adomavicius 9+3reb+3ast, D.Bucas 4+3reb+1ast

Mazeikiai - Jurbarkas 62-91:
NKL top team - Jurbarkas (4-0) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they crushed eleventh ranked Mazeikiai (1-3) 91-62. The winners were led by Vytenis Lipkevicius (197) who scored that evening 15 points and 8 rebounds and ex-international guard Vytenis Cizauskas (190-1992) supported him with 8 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Jurbarkas players scored in double figures. Even 19 points and 8 rebounds by Ukrainian Artem Lopukhov (207-2002) did not help to save the game for Mazeikiai. Guard Laurynas Klimas (188-2004) added 13 points and 4 assists for lost side. Jurbarkas have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record, which they share with Telsiai. Loser Mazeikiai dropped to the thirteenth place with three games lost. They share the position with Kedainiai and Alytus. Jurbarkas will meet bottom-ranked Rytas 2 (#18) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Mazeikiai will play against Kedainiai (#14) in Kedainiu and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Mazeikiai: A.Lopukhov 19+8reb+2ast, K.Laurynas 13+3reb+4ast, P.Armandas 12+6reb, A.Gydra 8+4reb, A.Kone 4+2reb, L.Prongos 3+6reb+1ast
Jurbarkas: L.Vytenis 15+8reb+3ast, M.Stasys 15+5reb, Z.Tomas 15+5reb+1ast, G.Norbertas 11+4reb, K.Kokoska 10+6reb+2ast, N.Justas 10+3reb+4ast

Neptunas-Akv. - Silute 73-70:
There was a minor upset when higher ranked Silute (2-2) was edged by twelfth ranked Neptunas-Akv. (2-2) in Klaipeda 73-70 on Saturday. The winners were led by power forward Eimantas Zilius (201-1999, agency: Bell Basketball) who scored that evening 16 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) and guard Simas Sarakauskas (190-2007) supported him with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Neptunas-Akv. players scored in double figures. Even 24 points and 9 rebounds by American Gerrale Gates (198-2000, college: Holy Cross) did not help to save the game for Silute. Center Augustinas Mikstas (203-2001) added 18 points and 10 rebounds for lost side. Neptunas-Akv. moved-up to eighth place, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Silute. Neptunas-Akv. will meet at home league's second-placed Telsiai in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Silute will play against Vilkaviskis (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Silute: G.Gates 24+9reb+3ast, A.Mikstas 18+10reb+1ast, N.Jankunas 12+5reb+5ast, M.Zigmantavicius 8+2reb+3ast, D.Bethea 4+8reb, L.Kazlauskas 2+7reb+5ast
Neptunas-Akv.: Z.Eimantas 16+5reb+1ast, Z.Aironas 11+8reb, S.Simas 10+5reb+5ast, J.Ernestas 10+3reb+4ast, P.Nojus 6+8reb+1ast, S.Rytis 6+1reb

Zalgiris II - Suduva-Mantinga 94-106:
There was a surprise result when top-ranked Suduva-Mantinga (2-0) defeated higher ranked Zalgiris II (2-2) in Kaunas 106-94 on Saturday. Suduva-Mantinga dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Zalgiris II's 40. The winners were led by forward Justinas Jogminas (197-1997) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds and point guard Justinas Ramanauskas (194-2000) supported him with 24 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Even a double-double of 22 points, 6 rebounds and 14 assists by point guard Dominykas Grunkis (164-2007) did not help to save the game for Zalgiris II. Estonian swingman Sten-Markus Adamson (200-2008) added 15 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Five Suduva-Mantinga and four Zalgiris II players scored in double figures. Zalgiris II's coach tested twelve players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Suduva-Mantinga moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Vytis. Loser Zalgiris II dropped to the eighth position with two games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Suduva-Mantinga will meet Kretinga (#17) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Zalgiris II's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Kaunas Atletas.
Top scorers:
Zalgiris II: D.Grunkis 22+6reb+14ast, S.Adamson 15+6reb+1ast, D.Jakstonis 13+7reb, K.Jokubas 13+2reb+4ast, M.Bulanovas 9+2reb+3ast, D.Urbonavicius 8+3reb+2ast
Suduva-Mantinga: J.Justinas 25+11reb+3ast, R.Justinas 24+6reb+7ast, M.Gediminas 17+4reb+1ast, G.Celka 13+5reb+1ast, J.Matas 10+7reb+2ast, V.Domantas 9+3reb+1ast

Omega-Tauras - P.Olimpas 82-93:
The most surprising game was the first loss of Omega-Tauras (3-1) in Kaunas on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by thirteenth ranked P.Olimpas (2-2) 93-82. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Omega-Tauras. P.Olimpas shot 64.2 percent from the field and made 20-of-24 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Thomas Miles (188-1998, college: WPU) who helped to win the game recording 20 points and 6 assists. point guard Ignas Razutis (186-1987) contributed with 21 points, 5 assists and 5 steals (made all of his ten free throws !!!) for the winners. Four P.Olimpas players scored in double figures. point guard Azuolas Hopenas (179-2007) replied with 16 points and Canadian guard Kyle Duke-Simpson (188-2002, college: Cumberlands) added 12 points in the effort for Omega-Tauras. Omega-Tauras' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. P.Olimpas moved-up to eighth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Omega-Tauras at the other side dropped to the third position with one game lost. They share it with Palanga. P.Olimpas is looking forward to face higher ranked Palanga (#4) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Omega-Tauras will play against Stekas and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Omega-Tauras: H.Azuolas 16+2reb+2ast, K.Duke-Simpson 12+3reb+3ast, J.Levickas 11+2reb, J.Cook 9+3reb+3ast, G.Stankevicius 7+2reb+1ast, J.Flournoy 7+2reb+1ast
P.Olimpas: E.Byrd 22+5reb, I.Razutis 21+2reb+5ast, M.Thomas 20+3reb+6ast, M.Vladyslav 15+3reb+2ast, M.Macijauskas 8+11reb, M.Maziliauskas 7