U18 League Round 5 (Regular Season): NKA loses to Tornado KM

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The biggest surprise took place in Kaunas where host Tornado KM (3-2) crushed league's leader NKA (4-1) 111-86 on Tuesday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of NKA. The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 66-37 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Tornado KM dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to NKA's 46. They outrebounded NKA 46-34 including 32 on the defensive glass. Tornado KM looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by NKA's players. The best player for the winners was Lukas Lukosiunas (186-2009) who scored 23 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists. Forward Benas Kryzius (199-2009) chipped in 25 points and 8 rebounds. Tornado KM's coach Mantas Lauraitis felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Sarunas Knysius (190-2009) produced 29 points and 4 assists for the guests. Tornado KM have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Saule. NKA at the other side dropped to the second position with one game lost. They share it with VKM. They were replaced at the leadership position by SKM I. NKA will play next round against strong Saule trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Tornado KM will try to continue on its current victory against tenth ranked Prienu on the road.
The game had a very big importance for third-ranked SKM I as it allowed them to take a leadership position. SKM I smashed 4th placed Zalgiris in Vilniaus 89-70. Nojus Satas (196-2009) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals. Benas Baranauskas contributed with 20 points for the winners. Forward Mangirdas Jakutis (201-2009) answered with 18 points and 9 rebounds for Zalgiris. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. SKM I have a solid series of four victories in a row. As mentioned above they took over a top position. Zalgiris at the other side dropped to the seventh place with three games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Zalgiris will play next round against VKM-2 trying to get back on the winning streak. SKM I will try to continue on its current victory against eighth ranked Snaiperis on the road.
Undefeated VKM (4-1) recorded its first loss in Vilniaus on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by tenth ranked Snaiperis (2-3) 90-80. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of VKM. Joris Makarevicius stepped up with a triple-double by scoring 25 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for the winners. Snaiperis' coach Edgaras Bartusevicius used an eleven-player rotation saving starting five for next games. Mykolas Rupsys responded with 34 points (!!!) and 4 steals. Snaiperis moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser VKM keeps the second position with one game lost. They share it with NKA. Snaiperis will meet at home league's leader SKM I in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. VKM will play against NKA-Perlas and hope to secure a win.

Other games of round 5 were very predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Prienu was crushed by Panevezio in a road game 109-83. Winless VKM-2 was smashed by VKKM at home 52-82. NKA-Perlas was destroyed by Saule on the opponent's court 114-66. Winless VKM-2 unfortunately lost to Prienu in a home game 93-97.
The best stats of 5th round was 27 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists by Titas Okmanas of Prienu.



Panevezio - Prienu 109-83:
There was a minor upset when their close opponent Prienu (2-3) was crushed on the road by tenth ranked Panevezio (2-3) 109-83 on Monday. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 4-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 109-83. Panevezio outrebounded Prienu 40-27 including a 27-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Panevezio looked well-organized offensively handing out 32 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Panevezio made 8 blocks. Guard Tadas Lukminas (190) stepped up and scored 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and forward Jonas Bartusevicius (193) chipped in 17 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Coach Justas Cetkauskas's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 11 players saving starting five for next games. Guard Rokas Miknevicius (195-2009) responded with 25 points and guard Titas Okmanas (182-2009) scored 6 points, 6 rebounds and 15 assists. Five Panevezio and four Prienu players scored in double figures. Panevezio moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Prienu. Panevezio will meet higher ranked VKKM (#6) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Prienu will play against Tornado KM and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Prienu: M.Rokas 25+4reb+3ast, B.Jokubas 15+3reb+2ast, B.Dominykas 11+1reb, N.Arijus 11+8reb, O.Titas 6+6reb+15ast, S.Tadas 6+1reb
Panevezio: T.Lukminas 21+6reb+4ast, T.Katauskas 17+2reb+10ast, J.Bartusevicius 17+9reb+4ast, R.Motiejunas 11+5reb+2ast, M.Binkys 11+3ast, S.Raudonaitis 10+9reb+5ast

VKM-2 - VKKM 52-82:
No shocking result in a game in Vilniaus where eighth ranked VKKM (2-2) smashed bottom-ranked VKM-2 (0-5) 82-52 on Monday. The guests trailed by 8 points after first quarter, but they stormed back and won the game by 30 points. VKKM dominated on the defensive end, holding VKM-2 to just 5 points in second quarter. They outrebounded VKM-2 62-38 including a 45-27 advantage in defensive rebounds. VKKM looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Forward Tijus Rancas (200-2009) stepped up and scored 8 points and 13 rebounds for the winners and forward Edvinas Mockus (198) chipped in 7 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists. Guard Matas Matukas (191) responded with 16 points and 5 steals and guard Kipras Patamsis (184) scored 3 points and 10 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. VKKM moved-up to sixth place. Loser VKM-2 still closes the standings with five games lost. VKKM will meet at home Panevezio (#7) in the next round. VKM-2 will play against Zalgiris (#9) in Kaunas and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
VKM-2: M.Matas 16+4reb, C.Jonas 6+3reb+1ast, M.Joris 5+5reb+1ast, D.Adomas 4+1reb, T.Emilis 4+2reb+3ast, B.Otonas 3+3reb
VKKM: P.Barauskas 17+3reb, A.Tickus 10+5reb+1ast, T.Lusas 9+5reb+1ast, T.Rancas 8+13reb+2ast, M.Brikmanas 7+4reb, K.Vanagas 7+3reb+4ast

SKM I - Zalgiris 89-70:
The game had a very big importance for third-ranked SKM I as it allowed them to take a leadership position. SKM I smashed 4th placed Zalgiris in Vilniaus 89-70. The game was mostly controlled by SKM I. Zalgiris was better in second period 27-24. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. SKM I forced 22 Zalgiris turnovers. Nojus Satas (196-2009) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals. Guard Benas Baranauskas (193-2009) contributed with 20 points for the winners. Forward Mangirdas Jakutis (201-2009) answered with 18 points and 9 rebounds and guard Nojus Budvytis (200) added 12 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Zalgiris. Four Zalgiris players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. SKM I have a solid series of four victories in a row. As mentioned above they took over a top position. Zalgiris at the other side dropped to the seventh place with three games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Zalgiris will play next round against VKM-2 trying to get back on the winning streak. SKM I will try to continue on its current victory against eighth ranked Snaiperis on the road.
Top scorers:
Zalgiris: J.Mangirdas 18+9reb+2ast, S.Matas 15+4reb, B.Nojus 12+8reb+1ast, S.Vytautas 10+8reb+1ast, J.Kipras 6+1reb+3ast, Z.Jonas 4+4reb
SKM I: B.Baranauskas 20+4reb+1ast, N.Satas 17+10reb+4ast, S.Rascius 12+4reb+1ast, J.Savickas 9+3reb+6ast, K.Rapolas 7+6reb+1ast, G.Erikas 6+6reb

Tornado KM - NKA 111-86:
The biggest surprise took place in Kaunas where host Tornado KM (3-2) crushed league's leader NKA (4-1) 111-86 on Tuesday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of NKA. The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 66-37 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Tornado KM dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to NKA's 46. They outrebounded NKA 46-34 including 32 on the defensive glass. Tornado KM looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by NKA's players. The best player for the winners was Lukas Lukosiunas (186-2009) who scored 23 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists. Forward Benas Kryzius (199-2009) chipped in 25 points and 8 rebounds. Four Tornado KM players scored in double figures. Tornado KM's coach Mantas Lauraitis felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Sarunas Knysius (190-2009) produced 29 points and 4 assists and Airidas Palubinskas (-2009) added 7 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the guests. Tornado KM have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Saule. NKA at the other side dropped to the second position with one game lost. They share it with VKM. They were replaced at the leadership position by SKM I. NKA will play next round against strong Saule trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Tornado KM will try to continue on its current victory against tenth ranked Prienu on the road.
Top scorers:
NKA: K.Sarunas 29+3reb+4ast, T.Lukas 11+5reb+2ast, A.Matas 9+4reb+3ast, L.Matas 9+4reb+1ast, B.Kostas 8+1reb, G.Rytis 8+3reb
Tornado KM: B.Kryzius 25+8reb+3ast, L.Lukosiunas 23+5reb+9ast, D.Seputis 20+6reb+5ast, A.Voronicas 15+6reb, P.Adomavicius 10+4reb, J.Asinauskas 8+2reb+2ast

VKM - Snaiperis 80-90:
Undefeated VKM (4-1) recorded its first loss in Vilniaus on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by tenth ranked Snaiperis (2-3) 90-80. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of VKM. The guests trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 5-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 90-80. Snaiperis dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to VKM's 34. They outrebounded VKM 47-30 including a 21-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. Joris Makarevicius (-2009) stepped up with a triple-double by scoring 25 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for the winners and Tautvydas Petkus (-2009) chipped in 31 points and 5 rebounds. Snaiperis' coach Edgaras Bartusevicius used an eleven-player rotation saving starting five for next games. Guard Mykolas Rupsys (183) responded with 34 points (!!!) and 4 steals and guard Tomas Jurgilevicius (184) scored 14 points and 6 assists. Snaiperis moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser VKM keeps the second position with one game lost. They share it with NKA. Snaiperis will meet at home league's leader SKM I in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. VKM will play against NKA-Perlas and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
VKM: R.Mykolas 34+1reb+2ast, J.Tomas 14+1reb+6ast, K.Rokas 8+10reb, V.Emilis 7+1reb+1ast, K.Matas 6+6reb+1ast, J.Deividas 6+4reb+2ast
Snaiperis: T.Petkus 31+5reb, J.Makarevicius 25+12reb+10ast, A.Letukas 16+10reb, D.Lernatavicius 5+5reb+3ast, E.Slikta 5+2reb, A.Kakoskin 2+1reb+2ast

Saule - NKA-Perlas 114-66:
Very expected game in Siauliai where 11th ranked NKA-Perlas (1-4) was rolled over by fifth ranked Saule (3-2) 114-66 on Tuesday. The game without a history. Saule led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 72 of its points in the paint compared to NKA-Perlas' 40. Saule forced 19 NKA-Perlas turnovers and outrebounded them 53-36 including a 32-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. Saule looked well-organized offensively handing out 37 assists comparing to just 14 passes made by NKA-Perlas' players. Guard Kernius Cekanauskas (185) stepped up with a triple-double by scoring 19 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists for the winners and forward Paulius Veliulis (202-2009) chipped in 18 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Guard Rokas Plechavicius (182-2009) responded with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 assists and forward Enris Zaveckas (195-2009) scored 10 points and 7 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Saule moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Tornado KM. NKA-Perlas lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with four games lost. Saule will meet league's second-placed NKA in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. NKA-Perlas will play against VKM (#3) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
NKA-Perlas: P.Rokas 13+1reb+11ast, P.Ajus 12+2reb+2ast, S.Rokas 11+5reb, Z.Enris 10+7reb, C.Laurynas 10+2reb, N.Kajus 4+5reb+1ast
Saule: A.Meskauskas 20+5reb+5ast, E.Adnan 19+3reb+2ast, K.Cekanauskas 19+15reb+12ast, P.Veliulis 18+7reb+6ast, V.Valeckas 10+12reb+5ast, G.Sambaris 10+1reb+3ast

VKM-2 - Prienu 93-97 OT:
Rather predictable result in Vilniaus where tenth ranked Prienu (2-3) beat bottom-ranked VKM-2 (0-5) 97-93 on Tuesday. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But VKM-2 won third quarter 29-18. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening, at least not yet. The game turned upside-down in the last quarter, where VKM-2 used huge pressure winning it 21-20 getting a tie at the end of regular time. They lost eventually overtime period 7-11. Prienu forced 20 VKM-2 turnovers and outrebounded them 51-39 including 18 on the offensive glass. Prienu looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Guard Titas Okmanas (182-2009) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 27 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists for the winners and forward Jokubas Bujavicius (194-2010) chipped in 23 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Kipras Patamsis (184) responded with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds and guard Emilis Tarasevicius (192) scored 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Five VKM-2 players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Prienu moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser VKM-2 still closes the standings with five games lost. Prienu will meet at home higher ranked Tornado KM (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. VKM-2 will play against Zalgiris (#9) in Kaunas and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
VKM-2: P.Kipras 20+13reb+2ast, T.Emilis 17+6reb+4ast, B.Natas 15+3reb, C.Jonas 12+6reb, M.Joris 11+5reb+7ast, L.Oskaras 10+1reb+1ast
Prienu: T.Okmanas 27+8reb+10ast, J.Bujavicius 23+9reb+2ast, A.Nevecka 17+6reb, R.Miknevicius 9+10reb+8ast, P.Muliuolis 5+10reb+2ast, T.Zilionis 4+1ast