NKL Round 9 (Regular Season): Neptunas-Akv. edges P.Olimpas by two points

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 9 in the NKL took place in Klaipeda. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 4th placed P.Olimpas (5-4) to fifth ranked Neptunas-Akv. (6-3) 59-57 on Thursday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of P.Olimpas. The best player for the winners was guard Ernestas Jonkus (187-1999, agency: BIG) who scored 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Power forward Eimantas Zilius (201-1999, agency: Bell Basketball) chipped in 14 points and 9 rebounds. Neptunas-Akv.'s coach Tomas Gaidamavicius used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was center Matas Macijauskas (210-2002) who recorded 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Neptunas-Akv. have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Omega-Tauras. P.Olimpas at the other side dropped to the eighth position with four games lost. Neptunas-Akv. is looking forward to face Stekas (#14) in Vilnius in the next round and are hoping to win another game. P.Olimpas will play at home against Vilkaviskis (#10) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Undefeated leader Telsiai delivered the ninth consecutive victory. This time they crushed bottom-ranked Atletas (0-8) 100-76. It was a good game for center Tadas Budrys (205-2002) who led his team to a victory with 20 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). Quinton Morton-Robertson contributed with 18 points and 7 assists for the winners. Center Vytautas Meistas (205-2002) answered with 12 points for Atletas. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Undefeated Telsiai (9-0) have an impressive series of nine victories in a row. They maintain first place with a perfect record of 9 victories in a row. Atletas at the other side still closes the standings with eight games lost. Telsiai will play against Vytis (#9) in Sakiai in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Atletas will play at home against Mazeikiai (#16) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Bottom-ranked Atletas (0-8) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 113-63 loss to ninth ranked Suduva-Mantinga (5-2) in Marijampole on Tuesday evening. Justinas Jogminas stepped up with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. The best for the losing side was Aistis Lukosevicius with 12 points and 5 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Suduva-Mantinga moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Silute. Atletas lost their eighth game in a row. They still close the standings with eight games lost. Suduva-Mantinga will meet at home Kedainiai (#12) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Atletas will play against Mazeikiai (#16) and looks forward to get finally their first victory.

Other games of round 9 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Palanga defeated Alytus in a road game 84-81. Mazeikiai was smashed by Suduva-Mantinga at home 85-109. Vytis lost to Silute on the opponent's court 86-97. Vilkaviskis managed to outperform Rytas 2 in a home game 74-72. Omega-Tauras managed to beat Zalgiris II on the road 93-82. Kedainiai crushed Stekas on its own court 97-76. Jurbarkas beat Kretinga in a road game 86-79.
The best stats of 9th round was 20 points and 10 rebounds by Klaidas Metrikis of Kretinga.



Suduva-Mantinga - Atletas 113-63:
Bottom-ranked Atletas (0-8) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 113-63 loss to ninth ranked Suduva-Mantinga (5-2) in Marijampole on Tuesday evening. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 34 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Atletas' players. Forward Justinas Jogminas (197-1997) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 16 rebounds for the winners and point guard Justinas Ramanauskas (194-2000) chipped in 21 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists. Four Suduva-Mantinga players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was power forward Aistis Lukosevicius (211-2004) with 12 points and 5 rebounds and point guard Arnas Vaistaras (198) scored 13 points. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Suduva-Mantinga moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Silute. Atletas lost their eighth game in a row. They still close the standings with eight games lost. Suduva-Mantinga will meet at home Kedainiai (#12) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Atletas will play against Mazeikiai (#16) and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Atletas: V.Arnas 13+4reb, L.Aistis 12+5reb+2ast, J.Stropus 9+1reb+2ast, L.Neidas 8, M.Vytautas 8+8reb, N.Rutkauskas 6+2reb
Suduva-Mantinga: V.Domantas 29+3reb+2ast, R.Justinas 21+6reb+10ast, J.Justinas 18+16reb+3ast, M.Gediminas 16+4reb+4ast, A.Pukelis 9+5reb+2ast, J.Matas 7+5reb+1ast

Alytus - Palanga 81-84:
There was no surprise when 11th ranked Alytus (4-5) was edged at home by third ranked Palanga (7-2) 84-81 on Thursday. Point guard Titas Janusevicius (190-2001) stepped up and scored 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and forward Rokas Uzas (202-1988) chipped in 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Five Palanga players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was point guard Sarunas Valunta (192-2000) with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and American guard Scooter Williams (196-2001, college: La Tech) scored 31 points and 5 rebounds. Palanga maintains third place with 7-2 record having just two points less than leader Telsiai. Loser Alytus keeps the eleventh position with five games lost. They share it with Zalgiris II and Kedainiai. Palanga will meet at home Zalgiris II (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Alytus will play against Rytas 2 in Vilnius and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Alytus: S.Williams 31+5reb, S.Valunta 25+6reb+6ast, E.Jaskus 9+8reb, D.Brodie 7+9reb+1ast, E.Valenta 4+5reb+1ast, K.Guscikas 3+6reb+2ast
Palanga: J.Titas 22+5reb+4ast, J.William 14+8reb, U.Rokas 14+6reb+5ast, G.Lesciauskas 13+5reb+4ast, J.Julius 10+2reb, C.Armin 6+1reb+4ast

Mazeikiai - Suduva-Mantinga 85-109:
No shocking result in a game when ninth ranked Suduva-Mantinga (5-2) smashed on the road 16th ranked Mazeikiai (1-8) 109-85 on Thursday. Suduva-Mantinga dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Mazeikiai's 34. Suduva-Mantinga looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. Rytis Pipiras (203-1995, agency: 6th Man Basketball Agency) stepped up and scored 20 points and 8 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners and Aurelijus Pukelis (205-1994) chipped in 21 points and 7 rebounds. The best for the losing side was guard Armandas Plintauskas (195-2002, college: KWC) with 22 points and American guard JaQuavian Florence (193, college: Tenn Tech) scored 17 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Suduva-Mantinga moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Silute. Mazeikiai lost their seventh game in a row. They dropped to the fifteenth position with eight games lost. They share it with Kretinga. Suduva-Mantinga will meet at home Kedainiai (#12) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Mazeikiai will play against Atletas in Kaunas and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Mazeikiai: P.Armandas 22+2reb+3ast, J.Florence 17+2reb+1ast, A.Lopukhov 11+4reb+2ast, E.Preibys 11+5reb+2ast, T.Kupstas 8+2reb, R.Williams 6+1reb+7ast
Suduva-Mantinga: A.Pukelis 21+7reb+2ast, P.Rytis 20+8reb+3ast, V.Domantas 18+1ast, J.Justinas 14+6reb+1ast, R.Justinas 9+1reb+13ast, J.Matas 8+5reb

Neptunas-Akv. - P.Olimpas 59-57:
The most exciting game of round 9 in the NKL took place in Klaipeda. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 4th placed P.Olimpas (5-4) to fifth ranked Neptunas-Akv. (6-3) 59-57 on Thursday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of P.Olimpas. The best player for the winners was guard Ernestas Jonkus (187-1999, agency: BIG) who scored 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Power forward Eimantas Zilius (201-1999, agency: Bell Basketball) chipped in 14 points and 9 rebounds. Neptunas-Akv.'s coach Tomas Gaidamavicius used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was center Matas Macijauskas (210-2002) who recorded 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and American point guard Najeeb Muhammad (187-2001, college: SUU) added 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists respectively. Neptunas-Akv. have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Omega-Tauras. P.Olimpas at the other side dropped to the eighth position with four games lost. Neptunas-Akv. is looking forward to face Stekas (#14) in Vilnius in the next round and are hoping to win another game. P.Olimpas will play at home against Vilkaviskis (#10) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
P.Olimpas: N.Muhammad 13+6reb+4ast, M.Matas 11+9reb+4ast, E.Byrd 10+6reb+1ast, V.Mustiatsa 9+5reb+2ast, R.Ignas 8+7reb+1ast, T.Miles 6+4reb+2ast
Neptunas-Akv.: J.Ernestas 15+5reb+5ast, Z.Eimantas 14+9reb+2ast, S.Rytis 9+3reb+2ast, R.Dziugas 7+4reb+1ast, V.Juozas 6+4reb, P.Nojus 4+2reb+1ast

Silute - Vytis 97-86:
We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 7th ranked Vytis (4-2) was defeated on the road by eighth ranked Silute (5-2) 97-86 on Thursday. Silute looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Center Augustinas Mikstas (203-2001) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds for the winners and American Gerrale Gates (198-2000, college: Holy Cross) chipped in 23 points and 8 rebounds. The best for the losing side was forward Kajus Leliukas (204-2004) with 21 points and 9 rebounds and guard Arunas Rimkus (194-2004, agency: BIG) scored 16 points and 5 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Vytis' coach Deividas Kumelis rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. The victory was the third consecutive win for Silute. They moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Suduva-Mantinga. Loser Vytis dropped to the ninth position with two games lost. Silute will meet league's second-placed Jurbarkas on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Vytis will play against the league's leader Telsiai (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Vytis: L.Kajus 21+9reb, R.Jokubas 16+4ast, A.Rimkus 16+2reb+5ast, V.Nojus 11+3reb+3ast, V.Paulius 7+4reb, A.Vilutis 5+4reb
Silute: G.Gerrale 23+8reb+3ast, R.Jocys 21+1reb+3ast, M.Augustinas 21+12reb+2ast, K.Lukas 10+5reb+10ast, J.Nojus 8+6reb+3ast, S.Anatoliy 7+1reb+3ast

Telsiai - Atletas 100-76:
Undefeated leader Telsiai delivered the ninth consecutive victory. This time they crushed bottom-ranked Atletas (0-8) 100-76. Telsiai shot 60.3 percent from the field. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. It was a good game for center Tadas Budrys (205-2002) who led his team to a victory with 20 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). American point guard Quinton Morton-Robertson (178-2001, college: PFW) contributed with 18 points and 7 assists for the winners. Four Telsiai players scored in double figures. Center Vytautas Meistas (205-2002) answered with 12 points and point guard Sarunas Morkevicius (195-2004) added 12 points and 4 assists in the effort for Atletas. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Telsiai (9-0) have an impressive series of nine victories in a row. They maintain first place with a perfect record of 9 victories in a row. Atletas at the other side still closes the standings with eight games lost. Telsiai will play against Vytis (#9) in Sakiai in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Atletas will play at home against Mazeikiai (#16) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Atletas: M.Sarunas 12+2reb+4ast, M.Vytautas 12+4reb+3ast, L.Aistis 9+4reb+2ast, K.Pavle 8+2reb+2ast, L.Neidas 7+1reb, V.Arnas 7+4reb+2ast
Telsiai: B.Tadas 20+7reb+2ast, M.Quinton 18+2reb+7ast, V.Kevon 16+2reb+1ast, D.Keishawn 13+1reb+3ast, O.Kaminskis 7+5reb+4ast, P.Vilius 7+1reb+2ast

Vilkaviskis - Rytas 2 74-72:
Very predictable result when twelfth ranked Vilkaviskis (4-4) edged at home bottom-ranked Rytas 2 (0-9) 74-72 on Thursday. However just two-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Vilkaviskis forced 19 Rytas 2 turnovers. American guard Jordan Stafford (190-2003, college: Gettysburg) stepped up and scored 22 points for the winners and forward Justinas Marcinkevicius (202-1998, college: Barry) chipped in 17 points. The best for the losing side was guard Mantas Liutkevicius (186-2007) with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists and Bulgarian Kaloyan Balkandzhiev (207-2007) scored 12 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Vilkaviskis moved-up to tenth place. Rytas 2 lost their ninth game in a row. They still close the standings with nine games lost. Vilkaviskis will meet higher ranked P.Olimpas (#8) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Rytas 2 will play against Alytus (#13) and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Rytas 2: M.Liutkevicius 21+5reb+9ast, A.Pocius 14+3reb+2ast, B.Kaloyan 12+9reb, R.Simas 6+6reb, K.Martynas 6+4reb, S.Erikas 5+4reb+2ast
Vilkaviskis: S.Jordan 22+3reb+3ast, J.Marcinkevicius 17+3reb, M.Zukauskas 13+3reb+3ast, P.Titas 6+1reb, D.Paulius 5+2reb+3ast, B.Benas 5+5reb

Zalgiris II - Omega-Tauras 82-93:
Not a big story in a game in Kaunas where 10th ranked Zalgiris II (4-5) was defeated by sixth ranked Omega-Tauras (6-3) 93-82 on Thursday. Omega-Tauras looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Omega-Tauras made 7 blocks. Canadian guard Kyle Duke-Simpson (188-2002, college: Cumberlands) stepped up and scored 20 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners and forward Tauris Aliukonis (204-2008) chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds. The best for the losing side was guard Majus Bulanovas (195-2007) with 12 points and 4 assists and forward Dovydas Jakstonis (196-2008) scored 15 points. Four Zalgiris II players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Omega-Tauras moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Neptunas-Akv. Loser Zalgiris II dropped to the eleventh position with five games lost. They share it with Kedainiai and Alytus. Omega-Tauras will meet at home Kretinga (#15) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Zalgiris II will play against Palanga (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Zalgiris II: D.Jakstonis 15+4reb, D.Urbonavicius 12+3reb, M.Bulanovas 12+3reb+4ast, K.Jokubas 12+5reb+2ast, S.Adamson 9+3reb, B.Martynas 6+2reb+2ast
Omega-Tauras: D.Kyle 20+5reb+7ast, A.Tauris 17+5reb+2ast, C.Jacob 16+2reb+2ast, V.Sarunas 10+3ast, S.Simas 7+6reb+5ast, S.Giedrius 7+7reb+2ast

Kedainiai - Stekas 97-76:
Everything could happen in Kedainiu at the game between two tied teams. Both thirteenth ranked Kedainiai and 14th ranked Stekas had identical 3-5 record. This time Kedainiai used a home court advantage and outleveled the opponent from Vilnius 97-76 on Thursday night. Kedainiai dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Stekas' 36. Kedainiai looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Egyptian center Amir Malek (205-2007) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 14 rebounds for the winners and point guard Vainius Steponavicius (186-1998) chipped in 30 points and 6 assists. Four Kedainiai players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was the former international forward Darius Tarvydas (200) with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and ex-international swingman Edvinas Seskus (196-1995, agency: BIG) scored 17 points and 7 assists. Stekas' coach Tadas Stankevicius gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Kedainiai (4-5) moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Zalgiris II and Alytus. Loser Stekas keeps the fourteenth position with six games lost. Kedainiai will meet higher ranked Suduva-Mantinga (#7) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Stekas will play against Neptunas-Akv. (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Stekas: E.Seskus 17+3reb+7ast, D.Tarvydas 16+6reb+6ast, S.Elijah 11+2reb+3ast, A.Arnas 9+1ast, B.Dominykas 7+4reb, S.Webster 5+4reb+1ast
Kedainiai: V.Steponavicius 30+4reb+6ast, A.Malek 25+14reb+3ast, K.Medas 15+7reb+1ast, L.Danielius 11+3reb+11ast, V.Vabalas 7+2reb+1ast, M.Ginas 4+6reb+1ast

Kretinga - Jurbarkas 79-86:
There was no surprise when 15th ranked Kretinga (1-8) was defeated at home by leader Jurbarkas (8-0) 86-79 on Thursday. Power forward Norbertas Giga (208-1995, college: Jax State) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds for the winners and point guard Mindaugas Stasys (179-1986) chipped in 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was Klaidas Metrikis (204-2000, agency: Bell Basketball) with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds and Canadian guard Jalen Warren (188-1999, college: UIC) scored 19 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Kretinga's coach Arimantas Mikalocius rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. The victory was the eighth consecutive win for Jurbarkas. They maintain second place with 8-0 record behind leader Telsiai. Kretinga lost their third game in a row. They keep the fifteenth position with eight games lost. They share it with Mazeikiai. Jurbarkas will meet at home Silute (#6) in the next round. Kretinga will play against Omega-Tauras (#4) in Kaunas and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Kretinga: K.Metrikis 20+10reb, J.Warren 19+4reb+3ast, Y.Justin 11+2reb+5ast, M.Staniulis 10+2reb+7ast, B.Ernestas 8+5reb, D.Edgaras 7+4reb+3ast
Jurbarkas: K.Kokoska 16+4reb+2ast, M.Stasys 16+6reb+4ast, G.Norbertas 15+13reb, J.Adas 15+5reb+4ast, L.Vytenis 9+6reb+4ast, N.Justas 8+3reb+2ast