RKL Round 6 (Regular Season): Delikatesas hand first loss to VRSC

RKL is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 6 rounds left. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was the first loss of VRSC (5-1) in Joniskis on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by eighth ranked Delikatesas (3-1) 86-81. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of VRSC. Delikatesas made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. They outrebounded VRSC 39-27 including a 32-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a good game for American guard Levelle Troy Zeigler (185-2000, college: A&M Texarkana) who led his team to a victory with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. Ukrainian Yevhen Balaban (203-1996, agency: KAM) contributed with 14 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Forward Kristupas Kenesis (202-2002) replied with 10 points and 7 rebounds for VRSC. VRSC's coach Jokubas Danilevieius tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Delikatesas have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to seventh place. Newly promoted VRSC still keeps top position with one game lost. They share it with Zalgiris III. Delikatesas are looking forward to face Akmenes (#8) in Akmene in the next round. VRSC will play on the road against Kupiskis (#12) and is hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Kaunas. Third ranked Zalgiris III (5-1) saved a 2-point victory at home edging second-best Druskininkai (4-2) 96-94 on Friday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Druskininkai. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Forward Joris Sinica (195-2009) scored 22 points and 6 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Danielius Jasikevicius chipped in 14 points and 4 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was Benius Urbonavicius (201-1997) with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 13 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Zalgiris III have an impressive five-game winning streak. They used an opportunity after VRSC lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position. Druskininkai at the other side dropped to the third place with two games lost. They share the position with Prienu. Zalgiris III will play against LCC TU (#14) in Klaipeda in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Druskininkai will play at home against Trakai-Gealan (#9) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked Rytas-MRU is still unable to win any game. This time they lost on the road their sixth consecutive match to tenth ranked Kupiskis (3-3) 95-83 on Friday evening. Augustas Zilinskas notched a double-double by scoring 17 points, 18 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the effort. Even 28 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists by Rapolas Klisauskas did not help to save the game for Rytas-MRU. Rytas-MRU's coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Kupiskis have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to ninth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Rytas-MRU still closes the standings with six games lost. Kupiskis will meet at home league's leader VRSC in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Rytas-MRU will play against Sendvaris (#15) and hopes to get finally their first victory.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 6: Birstono was smashed by Akmenes on the road 89-69. Birzai won against Ataka on its own court 89-76. Raseiniu was outscored by Trakai-Gealan in a road game 100-74. Sendvaris managed to beat Lusis at home 92-87. Sirvintos crushed VDU on the opponent's court 100-70. Prienu smashed LCC TU in a home game 101-71. Kupiskis was destroyed by Sirvintos on the road 99-78.
The most impressive performance of 6th round was 19 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists by Rokas Jukonis of Sirvintos.



Akmenes - Birstono 89-69:
No shocking result in a game when ninth ranked Akmenes (3-2) crushed at home 13th ranked Birstono (3-5) 89-69 on Saturday. Akmenes outrebounded Birstono 41-25 including a 32-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Domas Urbaitis (190-2009) notched 30 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and forward Justas Juozaitis (201-2006) supported him with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Akmenes' coach Domininkas Matutis used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 23 points and 8 rebounds by Arnas Tilinde (195-1997) did not help to save the game for Birstono. Forward Adomas Rybelis (198-2002) added 9 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Akmenes moved-up to eighth place. Birstono lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with five games lost. Akmenes will meet at home higher ranked Delikatesas (#7) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Birstono will play against Ataka (#10) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Akmenes: D.Urbaitis 30+6reb+4ast, J.Juozaitis 16+9reb, Z.Maksym 14+3reb+3ast, T.Kararinas 9+4reb+2ast, M.Svazas 8+7reb+1ast, J.Houston 5+2reb
Birstono: T.Arnas 23+8reb, K.Gabrielius 11+1reb, R.Adomas 9+6reb+6ast, M.Laurynas 7+1reb+1ast, D.Vakaris 6+1reb+2ast, A.Eivydas 6+6reb

Birzai - Ataka 89-76:
There was a minor upset when 6th ranked Ataka (3-3) lost on the road to ninth ranked Birzai (4-3) 89-76 on Saturday. Gabrielius Mazeika (206-2003, agency: BIG) notched 20 points and 8 rebounds to lead the effort and guard Kimas Ulanovas (188-2008, agency: KAM) supported him with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Even 12 points and 8 rebounds by guard Zygimantas Kerza (195-1998) did not help to save the game for Ataka. Guard Matas Makauskas (186-2002) added 13 points and 5 rebounds. Five Birzai and four Ataka players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Birzai have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Sirvintos. Loser Ataka dropped to the ninth position with three games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Birzai will meet Raseiniu (#11) in the next round where they are favorite. Ataka will play against Birstono and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Birzai: M.Gabrielius 20+8reb+1ast, U.Kimas 15+7reb+6ast, T.Lekunas 13+10reb+4ast, L.Egitas 13+8reb+4ast, R.Grebliunas 11+1reb, B.Ignas 11+3reb+1ast
Ataka: M.Matas 13+5reb+3ast, T.Juozas 12+3reb+3ast, K.Zygimantas 12+8reb+1ast, J.Davniukas 11+1reb+2ast, G.Mantas 7+4reb, Z.Matas 7+4reb+4ast

Trakai-Gealan - Raseiniu 100-74:
There was a surprise result when twelfth ranked Trakai-Gealan (3-3) rolled over at home one of their biggest challengers Raseiniu (3-3) 100-74 on Saturday. Trakai-Gealan outrebounded Raseiniu 45-30 including a 32-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Trakai-Gealan looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Center Giedrius Giedra (207-1987) notched 21 points and 4 assists to lead the effort and Kipras Davidonis (194-1996) supported him with 3 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Trakai-Gealan players scored in double figures. Even 8 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists by the former international point guard Justas Vazalis (196-1996) did not help to save the game for Raseiniu. Antanas Montrimavicius (199-1987) added 9 points and 8 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. Trakai-Gealan moved-up to ninth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Raseiniu. Trakai-Gealan will meet higher ranked Druskininkai (#3) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Raseiniu will play against Birzai (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Trakai-Gealan: G.Giedra 21+4reb+4ast, R.Raizys 15+2ast, T.Sipovic 14+2reb, B.Aleliunas 12+3reb+5ast, A.Jukna 11+6reb, G.Jonaitis 10+6reb+1ast
Raseiniu: B.Hofsteteris 14+1ast, M.Antanas 9+8reb, M.Martynas 8+1reb+2ast, R.Tadas 8+1reb+2ast, V.Justas 8+8reb+7ast, D.Stadnyk 7+2ast

Sendvaris - Lusis 92-87:
We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 15th ranked Lusis (1-3) lost on the road to sixteenth ranked Sendvaris (2-4) 92-87 on Friday. Sendvaris forced 19 Lusis turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Swingman Tomas Zelenskij (195-2005) notched 21 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 steals to lead the effort and Russian forward Nikita Sokolov (187-1999) supported him with 19 points (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!). Four Sendvaris players scored in double figures. Even 15 points and 9 rebounds by Gvidas Kaciusis (196-1996) did not help to save the game for Lusis. Center Gustas Blinkinas (203-2004) added 8 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Sendvaris moved-up to fifteenth place. Loser Lusis dropped to the sixteenth position with three games lost. Sendvaris will meet at home higher ranked Sirvintos (#6) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Lusis will play against Prienu (#4) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Sendvaris: T.Zelenskij 21+9reb+8ast, S.Nikita 19+2reb+2ast, J.Brackus 13+1reb+2ast, A.Valerii 12+7reb, K.Tadas 7+3reb+4ast, K.Paulius 7+3reb
Lusis: K.Gvidas 15+9reb+2ast, T.Arvydas 15+1reb+1ast, S.Martynas 11+2reb+4ast, B.Dovydas 11+2ast, T.Ignas 10+2reb+2ast, L.Polekauskas 9+5reb+1ast

Delikatesas - VRSC 86-81:
The most surprising game was the first loss of undefeated VRSC (5-1) in Joniskis on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by eighth ranked Delikatesas (3-1) 86-81. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of VRSC. Delikatesas made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. They outrebounded VRSC 39-27 including a 32-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a good game for American guard Levelle Troy Zeigler (185-2000, college: A&M Texarkana) who led his team to a victory with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. Ukrainian Yevhen Balaban (203-1996, agency: KAM) contributed with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Forward Kristupas Kenesis (202-2002) replied with 10 points and 7 rebounds and Robert Subotkevic (203-1998) added 16 points in the effort for VRSC. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. VRSC's coach Jokubas Danilevieius tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Delikatesas have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to seventh place. Newly promoted VRSC still keeps top position with one game lost. They share it with Zalgiris III. Delikatesas are looking forward to face Akmenes (#8) in Akmene in the next round. VRSC will play on the road against Kupiskis (#12) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Delikatesas: L.Zeigler 22+5reb+8ast, K.Jonuska 19+6reb+3ast, R.Ronaldas 15+7reb+2ast, B.Yevhen 14+13reb+1ast, A.Meskauskas 8+1reb+1ast, E.Juodris 7+2reb+1ast
VRSC: R.Subotkevic 16+1reb+2ast, P.Tadas 13+3reb, R.Dovydas 11+2reb+5ast, K.Kristupas 10+7reb+3ast, E.Narusevicius 7+4reb, S.Justas 7+1ast

Kupiskis - Rytas-MRU 95-83:
Bottom-ranked Rytas-MRU is still unable to win any game. This time they lost on the road their sixth consecutive match to tenth ranked Kupiskis (3-3) 95-83 on Friday evening. Kupiskis outrebounded Rytas-MRU 49-34 including a 22-11 advantage in offensive rebounds. Kupiskis looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Augustas Zilinskas (197-1997) notched a double-double by scoring 17 points, 18 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the effort and point guard Benas Ilevicius (182-1999) supported him with 21 points and 7 assists. Five Kupiskis players scored in double figures. Even 28 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists by Rapolas Klisauskas (189-2010) did not help to save the game for Rytas-MRU. Raigardas Ciunys (198-2010) added 18 points. Rytas-MRU's coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Kupiskis have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to ninth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Rytas-MRU still closes the standings with six games lost. Kupiskis will meet at home league's leader VRSC in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Rytas-MRU will play against Sendvaris (#15) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Kupiskis: B.Ilevicius 21+3reb+7ast, E.Umbra 21+6reb, A.Zilinskas 17+18reb+5ast, E.Anusauskas 15+5reb+6ast, P.Blieka 14+6reb+1ast, T.Alekna 7+9reb+3ast
Rytas-MRU: R.Klisauskas 28+7reb+7ast, R.Ciunys 18+2reb+1ast, L.Lukas 10+3reb+2ast, K.Korsakovas 9+6reb, C.Armin 8+6reb+2ast, J.Birzinis 6+3reb

Zalgiris III - Druskininkai 96-94:
Important game to mention about took place in Kaunas. Third ranked Zalgiris III (5-1) saved a 2-point victory at home edging second-best Druskininkai (4-2) 96-94 on Friday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Druskininkai. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Zalgiris III players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. Forward Joris Sinica (195-2009) scored 22 points and 6 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and guard Danielius Jasikevicius (178-2010) chipped in 14 points and 4 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was Benius Urbonavicius (201-1997) with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 13 rebounds and Lukas Bankieta (200-1992) scored 16 points and 7 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Zalgiris III have an impressive five-game winning streak. They used an opportunity after VRSC lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position. Druskininkai at the other side dropped to the third place with two games lost. They share the position with Prienu. Zalgiris III will play against LCC TU (#14) in Klaipeda in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Druskininkai will play at home against Trakai-Gealan (#9) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Zalgiris III: J.Sinica 22+6reb+3ast, J.Danielius 14+4reb+4ast, V.Sliogeris 12+3reb+5ast, A.Lukas 10+5reb, E.Kuprys 9+5reb+6ast, B.Baranauskas 7+2reb+1ast
Druskininkai: B.Urbonavicius 22+13reb, M.Staselis 20+2reb+2ast, B.Lukas 16+7reb+2ast, A.Kelmelis 14+3reb+1ast, S.Arnas 7+8reb+2ast, R.Bitinas 6+1reb+1ast

VDU - Sirvintos 70-100:
Everything went according to plan when thirteenth ranked Sirvintos (4-3) outplayed 17th ranked VDU (1-5) in Kaunas 100-70 on Friday. Sirvintos dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to VDU's 32. They outrebounded VDU 41-29 including 26 on the defensive glass. Sirvintos looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Forward Justas Maceikis (199-2002) notched 18 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort and center Vitalij Luksa (206-1986) supported him with 17 points. Even 12 points and 8 rebounds by guard Benas Cepulis (185-2006) did not help to save the game for VDU. point guard Ricardas Butkus (184-2002) added 10 points and 6 assists. Five Sirvintos and four VDU 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. Sirvintos moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Birzai. VDU lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventeenth position with five games lost. Sirvintos will meet Sendvaris (#15) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. VDU will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Sirvintos: J.Maceikis 18+6reb+2ast, V.Luksa 17+4reb, M.Butrimas 12+5reb+2ast, O.Varanauskas 12+2reb+3ast, L.Kirlys 10+2reb+4ast, R.Jukonis 8+3reb+4ast
VDU: P.Tadas 14+3reb+1ast, C.Benas 12+8reb+2ast, S.Azuolas 11+3reb+2ast, B.Ricardas 10+2reb+6ast, M.Titas 9+4reb, C.Dominykas 5+3reb

Prienu - LCC TU 101-71:
There was no surprise when 11th ranked LCC TU (2-3) was outleveled by fifth ranked Prienu (4-2) in Prienai 101-71 on Friday. Prienu outrebounded LCC TU 43-24 including a 31-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Prienu looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by LCC TU's players. Modestas Zaunieriunas (189-1994) notched 23 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and Rokas Stankevicius (202-1995, agency: BIG) supported him with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Prienu's coach felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists by Ukrainian guard Hryhorii Leskiv (183-2007) did not help to save the game for LCC TU. Guard Mantas Litvinas (195-2003) added 15 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Prienu moved-up to third place, which they share with Druskininkai. Loser LCC TU dropped to the fourteenth position with three games lost. Prienu will meet at home Lusis (#16) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. LCC TU will play against the league's second-placed Zalgiris III and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Prienu: M.Zaunieriunas 23+2reb+2ast, S.Rokas 15+6reb+5ast, M.Kolesnikovas 14+3reb+5ast, E.Daunys 13+9reb+2ast, S.Aleksynas 9+3reb, J.Bujavicius 8
LCC TU: L.Hryhorii 21+5reb+5ast, C.Andrija 17+3reb+1ast, L.Mantas 15+5reb+3ast, S.Adomas 11+3reb+2ast, C.Kosta 4+4reb, S.Pavel 2

Sirvintos - Kupiskis 99-78:
There was a small surprise when thirteenth ranked Sirvintos (4-3) crushed at home 10th ranked Kupiskis (3-3) 99-78 on Wednesday. Sirvintos outrebounded Kupiskis 50-34 including 20 on the offensive glass. Sirvintos looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Swingman Rokas Jukonis (194-1990) notched a double-double by scoring 19 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists to lead the effort and guard Martynas Butrimas (190-2003) supported him with 26 points and 5 rebounds. Sirvintos' coach Darius Ciuta felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 21 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists by Augustas Zilinskas (197-1997) did not help to save the game for Kupiskis. point guard Benas Ilevicius (182-1999) added 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Sirvintos moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Birzai. Loser Kupiskis dropped to the ninth position with three games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Sirvintos will meet Sendvaris (#15) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Kupiskis will play against the league's leader VRSC (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sirvintos: M.Butrimas 26+5reb+1ast, R.Jukonis 19+11reb+8ast, L.Kirlys 16+2reb+2ast, O.Varanauskas 11+6reb+5ast, G.Auruskevicius 9+7reb+2ast, N.Sadreika 4+1reb+4ast
Kupiskis: Z.Augustas 21+8reb+8ast, I.Benas 19+5reb+4ast, B.Paulius 15+10reb+2ast, A.Erikas 14+5reb+2ast, A.Tautvydas 6+3reb+3ast, P.Eirinas 3+1reb