NKL Round 10 (Regular Season): Silute hands first loss to Jurbarkas

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Jurbarkas (8-1) at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by fourth ranked Silute (7-2) 79-72. It ended at the same time the eight-game winning streak of Jurbarkas. Worth to mention a great performance of Rokas Jocys (196-2004, college: Manhattan) who helped to win the game recording 29 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. American Gerrale Gates (198-2000, college: Holy Cross) contributed with 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Power forward Norbertas Giga (208-1995, college: Jax State) replied with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds for Jurbarkas. Silute have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 7-2 record. Jurbarkas at the other side keeps the second place with one game lost. Silute are looking forward to face league's leader Telsiai on the road in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Jurbarkas will play against Omega-Tauras in Kaunas and is hoping to win this game.
Ninth-ranked Vytis (5-3) used its home court advantage to challenge top-ranked Telsiai (10-0) in Sakiai. The visitors from Telsiai managed to secure only three-point victory 91-88. However their fans expected much easier game. Center Tadas Budrys (205-2002) had a double-double by scoring 18 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Kevon Voyles chipped in 22 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side guard Paulius Velutis (191-2004) responded with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Vytis' coach Deividas Kumelis rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Undefeated Telsiai have an impressive ten-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 10-0 record. Vytis at the other side keeps the ninth place with three games lost. Telsiai will play against Silute (#4) at home in the next round. Vytis will play against Mazeikiai (#16) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked Atletas is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their ninth consecutive match to sixteenth ranked Mazeikiai (2-8) 97-88 on Saturday evening. Tautvydas Kupstas notched 29 points to lead the effort. Even 18 points by Aistis Lukosevicius did not help to save the game for Atletas. Atletas' coach Tomas Kersis tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Mazeikiai moved-up to fifteenth place, which they share with Kretinga. Loser Atletas still closes the standings with nine games lost. Mazeikiai will meet at home higher ranked Vytis (#9) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Atletas will play against Kedainiai (#12) in Kedainiu and hopes to get finally their first victory.

Other games in round 10 were not that significant. Zalgiris II was beaten by Palanga on the road 112-100. P.Olimpas won against Vilkaviskis on its own court 91-73. Alytus managed to outperform Rytas 2 in a road game 101-91. Suduva-Mantinga rolled over Kedainiai at home 98-64. Neptunas-Akv. crushed Stekas on the opponent's court 87-64. Omega-Tauras was beaten by Kretinga in a home game 72-75. Vytis destroyed Vilkaviskis on the road 107-81. Silute managed to outperform Suduva-Mantinga on its own court 92-83.
The most impressive performance of 10th round was 21 points by Tadas Augustauskas of Vytis.



Palanga - Zalgiris II 112-100:
No shocking result in a game when third ranked Palanga (8-2) beat at home 11th ranked Zalgiris II (4-6) 112-100 on Saturday. Palanga made 21-of-24 free shots (87.5 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Point guard Titas Janusevicius (190-2001) notched 25 points and 5 assists to lead the effort and American forward William Jenkins III (203-1996, college: Virginia Union, agency: BIG) supported him with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Five Palanga players scored in double figures. Even 26 points and 4 steals by guard Majus Bulanovas (195-2007) did not help to save the game for Zalgiris II. Power forward Gabrielius Krivas (205-2008) added 16 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Palanga have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 8-2 record having just two points less than leader Telsiai. Loser Zalgiris II keeps the eleventh place with six games lost. They share the position with Kedainiai and Vilkaviskis. Palanga will meet Kretinga (#15) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Zalgiris II will play against Rytas 2 (#18) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Palanga: J.Titas 25+1reb+5ast, H.Pivorius 20+4reb+1ast, J.William 18+5reb+6ast, U.Antanas 14+3reb+1ast, U.Rokas 11+1reb+6ast, J.Julius 10+4reb
Zalgiris II: M.Bulanovas 26+2reb, S.Kristupas 16+1reb+2ast, G.Krivas 16+6reb, K.Jokubas 7+1reb+8ast, D.Jakstonis 7+6reb+1ast, D.Grunkis 7+4reb+10ast

P.Olimpas - Vilkaviskis 91-73:
Very expected game when 13th ranked Vilkaviskis (4-6) lost to seventh ranked P.Olimpas (6-4) in Plunge 73-91 on Saturday. P.Olimpas looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American guard Thomas Miles (188-1998, college: WPU) notched 23 points and 4 assists to lead the effort and the other American import center Emmanuel Byrd (206-2004, college: Truman St.) supported him with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Five P.Olimpas players scored in double figures. Even 18 points by forward Emilis Bartninkas (206-2004, agency: Players Group) did not help to save the game for Vilkaviskis. American guard Jordan Stafford (190-2003, college: Gettysburg) added 13 points for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. P.Olimpas maintains seventh position with 6-4 record, which they share with Omega-Tauras. Loser Vilkaviskis dropped to the eleventh place with six games lost. They share the position with Zalgiris II and Kedainiai. P.Olimpas will meet Alytus (#10) on the road in the next round. Vilkaviskis will play against Stekas and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
P.Olimpas: M.Thomas 23+3reb+4ast, M.Macijauskas 14+4reb+2ast, B.Emmanuel 14+12reb+2ast, M.Najeeb 13+2reb+4ast, I.Razutis 12+8reb+3ast, M.Vladyslav 8+5reb+3ast
Vilkaviskis: E.Bartninkas 18+2reb, J.Stafford 13+3reb+1ast, M.Justinas 11+3reb+1ast, T.Pazarauskas 7+1ast, J.Rollins 7+1reb+1ast, A.Camara 5+7reb+1ast

Atletas - Mazeikiai 88-97:
Bottom-ranked Atletas is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their ninth consecutive match to sixteenth ranked Mazeikiai (2-8) 97-88 on Saturday evening. Mazeikiai forced 21 Atletas turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Guard Tautvydas Kupstas (193-2000, college: UWF) notched 29 points to lead the effort and Ukrainian Artem Lopukhov (207-2002) supported him with 22 points. Even 18 points by power forward Aistis Lukosevicius (211-2004) did not help to save the game for Atletas. point guard Arnas Vaistaras (198) added 14 points for lost side. Atletas' coach Tomas Kersis tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Mazeikiai moved-up to fifteenth place, which they share with Kretinga. Loser Atletas still closes the standings with nine games lost. Mazeikiai will meet at home higher ranked Vytis (#9) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Atletas will play against Kedainiai (#12) in Kedainiu and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Mazeikiai: K.Tautvydas 29+2reb+3ast, L.Artem 22+4reb, K.Asa 12+2reb, F.Ja'Quavian 12+3ast, P.Edgaras 10+4reb+2ast, K.Laurynas 8+6reb+4ast
Atletas: A.Lukosevicius 18+4reb, V.Arnas 14+3reb+2ast, D.Titas 12+1reb+5ast, J.Stropus 9+5reb+3ast, N.Rutkauskas 8+2reb, L.Neidas 8+1reb+1ast

Rytas 2 - Alytus 91-101:
Very predictable result when tenth ranked Alytus (5-5) won against bottom-ranked Rytas 2 (0-10) in Vilnius 101-91 on Saturday. Alytus looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists. Point guard Sarunas Valunta (192-2000) notched a double-double by scoring 22 points, 9 rebounds and 14 assists to lead the effort and American guard Scooter Williams (196-2001, college: La Tech) supported him with 34 points (!!!) and 5 assists. Even 14 points, 7 assists and 5 steals by guard Mantas Liutkevicius (186-2007) did not help to save the game for Rytas 2. Guard Vincentas Adomaitis (200) added 12 points for lost side. Four Rytas 2 players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Alytus maintains tenth position with 5-5 record. Loser Rytas 2 still closes the standings with ten games lost. Alytus will meet at home higher ranked P.Olimpas (#7) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Rytas 2 will play against Zalgiris II (#11) in Kaunas and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Alytus: W.Scooter 34+4reb+5ast, V.Sarunas 22+9reb+14ast, G.Karolis 14+3reb+1ast, V.Edas 9+13reb+2ast, J.Ernestas 8+1reb+3ast, P.Paulius 5+1reb+1ast
Rytas 2: K.Snitka 18, M.Liutkevicius 14+4reb+7ast, A.Vincentas 12+3reb+3ast, G.Buivydas 10+3reb+5ast, S.Erikas 9+1reb+1ast, A.Pocius 6+2reb+3ast

Suduva-Mantinga - Kedainiai 98-64:
Not a big story in a game when 12th ranked Kedainiai (4-6) was outscored by sixth ranked Suduva-Mantinga (6-3) in Marijampole 98-64 on Saturday. Suduva-Mantinga dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Kedainiai's 26. Suduva-Mantinga looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Kedainiai's players. Aurelijus Pukelis (205-1994) notched 20 points and 9 rebounds to lead the effort and Rytis Pipiras (203-1995, agency: 6th Man Basketball Agency) supported him with 10 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Suduva-Mantinga players scored in double figures. Suduva-Mantinga's coach felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 20 points by point guard Laurynas Danielius (182-1998) did not help to save the game for Kedainiai. Egyptian center Amir Malek (205-2007) added 10 points and 10 rebounds for lost side. Suduva-Mantinga maintains sixth position with 6-3 record. Loser Kedainiai dropped to the eleventh place with six games lost. They share the position with Zalgiris II and Vilkaviskis. Suduva-Mantinga will meet higher ranked Neptunas-Akv. (#5) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Kedainiai will play against Atletas (#17) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Suduva-Mantinga: A.Pukelis 20+9reb+2ast, R.Justinas 12+4reb+5ast, C.Gabrielius 10+5reb+3ast, P.Rytis 10+6reb+5ast, J.Matas 8+2reb+1ast, K.Tautvydas 8+6reb+1ast
Kedainiai: D.Laurynas 20+4reb+2ast, V.Vainius 15+1reb+1ast, M.Amir 10+10reb, G.Mulevicius 8+7reb+1ast, V.Steponavicius 5+2reb+1ast, M.Kuprijanovas 4+6reb+2ast

Stekas - Neptunas-Akv. 64-87:
Everything went according to plan when fifth ranked Neptunas-Akv. (7-3) outplayed 14th ranked Stekas (3-7) in Vilnius 87-64 on Tuesday. Neptunas-Akv. made 19-of-22 free shots (86.4 percent) during the game. Point guard Nojus Pabrieza (203-2004) notched 14 points and 8 rebounds to lead the effort and power forward Eimantas Zilius (201-1999, agency: Bell Basketball) supported him with 12 points. Even 16 points by the former international swingman Edvinas Seskus (196-1995, agency: BIG) did not help to save the game for Stekas. ex-international forward Darius Tarvydas (200) added 6 points and 6 rebounds 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. Neptunas-Akv. have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain fifth position with 7-3 record. Loser Stekas keeps the fourteenth place with seven games lost. Neptunas-Akv. will meet at home Suduva-Mantinga (#6) in the next round. Stekas will play against Vilkaviskis (#13) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Neptunas-Akv.: P.Nojus 14+8reb+1ast, M.Rokas 13+2reb, Z.Eimantas 12+3reb+1ast, C.Nikita 9+2reb, V.Juozas 8+7reb, S.Simas 8+3reb+4ast
Stekas: E.Seskus 16+3reb+2ast, D.Bucas 11+1reb, S.Webster 11+3reb, W.Bryan 8+3reb+2ast, E.Stephens 7+1reb+4ast, D.Tarvydas 6+6reb+2ast

Vytis - Telsiai 88-91:
Ninth-ranked Vytis (5-3) used its home court advantage to challenge top-ranked Telsiai (10-0) in Sakiai. The visitors from Telsiai managed to secure only three-point victory 91-88. However their fans expected much easier game. Telsiai dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Vytis' 34. Telsiai players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. Center Tadas Budrys (205-2002) had a double-double by scoring 18 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American guard Kevon Voyles (190-2000, college: Marshall) chipped in 22 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side guard Paulius Velutis (191-2004) responded with 23 points and 7 rebounds and guard Jokubas Rubinas (186-2002) scored 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Telsiai and four Vytis players scored in double figures. Vytis' coach Deividas Kumelis rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Telsiai have an impressive ten-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 10-0 record. Vytis at the other side keeps the ninth place with three games lost. Telsiai will play against Silute (#4) at home in the next round. Vytis will play against Mazeikiai (#16) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Telsiai: V.Kevon 22+7reb+1ast, B.Tadas 18+12reb+4ast, R.Deividas 13+6reb+3ast, J.Kazakauskas 12+3reb+5ast, D.Keishawn 12+4reb+4ast, P.Vilius 6+1ast
Vytis: P.Velutis 23+7reb+2ast, L.Kajus 18+3reb, J.Rubinas 18+5reb+4ast, A.Rimkus 10+1reb+5ast, L.Nojus 7+6reb+3ast, T.Augustauskas 6

Jurbarkas - Silute 72-79:
The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Jurbarkas (8-1) at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by fourth ranked Silute (7-2) 79-72. It ended at the same time the eight-game winning streak of Jurbarkas. Worth to mention a great performance of Rokas Jocys (196-2004, college: Manhattan) who helped to win the game recording 29 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. American Gerrale Gates (198-2000, college: Holy Cross) contributed with 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Power forward Norbertas Giga (208-1995, college: Jax State) replied with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds and ex-international guard Adas Juskevicius (193-1989) added 14 points and 5 assists in the effort for Jurbarkas. Four Jurbarkas players scored in double figures. Silute have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 7-2 record. Jurbarkas at the other side keeps the second place with one game lost. Silute are looking forward to face league's leader Telsiai on the road in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Jurbarkas will play against Omega-Tauras in Kaunas and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Silute: R.Jocys 29+9reb+4ast, G.Gerrale 18+7reb+3ast, K.Lukas 9+10reb+8ast, S.Anatoliy 7+1reb, M.Augustinas 7+5reb, J.Nojus 5+2reb
Jurbarkas: N.Giga 17+12reb+1ast, A.Juskevicius 14+3reb+5ast, K.Karolis 10+5reb+2ast, T.Zdanavicius 10+1reb+1ast, V.Lipkevicius 8+9reb+4ast, J.Nausedas 7+2reb+3ast

Omega-Tauras - Kretinga 72-75:
There was an upset when higher ranked Omega-Tauras (6-4) was edged by fifteenth ranked Kretinga (2-8) in Kaunas 75-72 on Saturday. Klaidas Metrikis (204-2000, agency: Bell Basketball) notched 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and point guard Mantvydas Staniulis (187-1997) supported him with 17 points and 9 assists. Even 28 points and 4 steals by Canadian guard Kyle Duke-Simpson (188-2002, college: Cumberlands) did not help to save the game for Omega-Tauras. American forward Jacob Cook (198-1998, college: Concordia, MN) added 9 points and 11 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Kretinga maintains fifteenth position with 2-8 record, which they share with Mazeikiai. Loser Omega-Tauras dropped to the seventh place with four games lost. They share the position with P.Olimpas. Kretinga will meet at home higher ranked Palanga (#3) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Omega-Tauras will play against the league's second-placed Jurbarkas (#2) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Kretinga: M.Klaidas 19+9reb+4ast, S.Mantvydas 17+3reb+9ast, S.Domantas 16+8reb+1ast, J.Young 8+6reb+4ast, R.Zabita 6+6reb, E.Bruzas 5+1reb+2ast
Omega-Tauras: K.Duke-Simpson 28+4reb+1ast, S.Vasiliauskas 11+4reb, J.Cook 9+11reb+3ast, S.Sliogeris 8+3reb+2ast, J.Levickas 7+3reb, G.Stankevicius 5+4reb+1ast

Round 4

Vilkaviskis - Vytis 81-107:
No shocking result in a game when ninth ranked Vytis (5-3) crushed on the road 13th ranked Vilkaviskis (4-6) 107-81 on Tuesday. Vytis looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Vilkaviskis' players. Guard Paulius Velutis (191-2004) notched 14 points and 9 rebounds to lead the effort and guard Arunas Rimkus (194-2004, agency: BIG) supported him with 17 points and 4 assists. Even a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds by forward Emilis Bartninkas (206-2004, agency: Players Group) did not help to save the game for Vilkaviskis. American guard Jordan Stafford (190-2003, college: Gettysburg) added 12 points and 4 assists for lost side. Five Vytis and four Vilkaviskis players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Vytis maintains ninth position with 5-3 record. Loser Vilkaviskis dropped to the eleventh place with six games lost. They share the position with Zalgiris II and Kedainiai. Vytis will meet Mazeikiai (#16) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Vilkaviskis will play against Stekas (#14) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Vytis: A.Tadas 21+1reb+1ast, R.Arunas 17+2reb+4ast, V.Paulius 14+9reb+3ast, K.Leliukas 10+2reb+2ast, R.Jokubas 10+4reb+7ast, V.Arturas 10+5reb+4ast
Vilkaviskis: E.Bartninkas 17+12reb, J.Stafford 12+2reb+4ast, J.Rollins 11+3reb+2ast, Z.Mantvydas 10+1reb+1ast, T.Pazarauskas 8+1reb+1ast, P.Danisevicius 7+3ast

Round 7

Silute - Suduva-Mantinga 92-83:
Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both fourth ranked Silute and 6th ranked Suduva-Mantinga had identical 6-2 record. This time Silute used a home court advantage and defeated the opponent from Marijampole 92-83 on Tuesday night. Rokas Jocys (196-2004, college: Manhattan) notched 25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (made all of his nine free throws !!!) to lead the effort and American Gerrale Gates (198-2000, college: Holy Cross) supported him with 22 points. Even a double-double of 25 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists by Aurelijus Pukelis (205-1994) did not help to save the game for Suduva-Mantinga. point guard Justinas Ramanauskas (194-2000) added 14 points and 4 assists for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Suduva-Mantinga's coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Silute (7-2) have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position. Loser Suduva-Mantinga keeps the sixth place with three games lost. Silute will meet league's leader Telsiai on the road in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Suduva-Mantinga will play against Neptunas-Akv. (#5) in Klaipeda and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Silute: R.Jocys 25+5reb+4ast, G.Gerrale 22+4reb+1ast, M.Augustinas 16+8reb+2ast, K.Lukas 10+5reb+6ast, Z.Martynas 9+2ast, S.Anatoliy 4+2reb+2ast
Suduva-Mantinga: P.Aurelijus 25+11reb+6ast, J.Ramanauskas 14+3reb+4ast, J.Jogminas 12+7reb+1ast, D.Vilys 11+1ast, G.Mokseckas 10+6reb+3ast, R.Pipiras 8+8reb+1ast