NKL Round 4 (Regular Season): #1 Omega-Tauras are defeated by Vilkaviskis

After 4 rounds played we can already see who rules in the NKL and who belongs to weaker ones. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was the first loss of Omega-Tauras (3-1) on the court of seventh ranked Vilkaviskis on Saturday night. Visitors were rolled over by Vilkaviskis 86-64. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Omega-Tauras. Vilkaviskis had a 28-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of Jamaican-American forward Seyi Reiley (198-1999, college: Seattle) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and American guard Bryce McBride (188-2000, college: YSU) who added 18 points during the contest. At the losing side center Ignas Juskevicius (200-1991) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 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. Vilkaviskis have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Omega-Tauras. Vilkaviskis is looking forward to face Jurbarkas (#5) on the road in the next round. Omega-Tauras will play against Suduva-Mantinga in Marijampole and is hoping to win this game.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Telsiai (3-1) against top-ranked Vytis (3-0) on Saturday night. Visiting Telsiai was defeated by Vytis in a tough game in Sakiai 100-108. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Telsiai. The winners were led by Augustinas Mikstas (203-2001, agency: Octagon Europe) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 31 points and 17 rebounds (on 13-of-17 shooting from the field) and Jokubas Rubinas supported him with 22 points. Even 23 points by the former international guard Martynas Gecevicius (193-1988) did not help to save the game for Telsiai. Vytis have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Telsiai at the other side keeps the third position with one game lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Vytis will play against Kretinga (#10) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Telsiai will play against the league's leader Neptunas-Akv. (#1) in Klaipeda and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Palanga has registered their first victory this season.The win is especially important as it came on the road game in Joniskis, where they defeated Delikatesas (0-4) 70-57 on Saturday. Julius Kazakauskas fired 9 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Igor Chumakov produced a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Palanga (1-0) left bottom position moving up to eleventh place. Loser Delikatesas still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Alytus. Palanga will meet Rytas 2 (#12) in the next round. Delikatesas will play against Stekas (#9) and hopes to get finally their first victory.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 4: Stekas lost to undefeated Neptunas-Akv. on the opponent's court 67-85. P.Olimpas was outscored by Kretinga in a home game 74-98. Suduva-Mantinga managed to beat Rytas 2 on the road 96-84. Zalgiris II defeated Alytus on its own court 78-68. Silute was beaten by Jurbarkas in a road game 81-77.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 7 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists by Gintautas Matulis of Jurbarkas.



Vilkaviskis - Omega-Tauras 86-64

The most surprising game was the first loss of Omega-Tauras (3-1) on the court of seventh ranked Vilkaviskis on Saturday night. Visitors were rolled over by Vilkaviskis 86-64. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Omega-Tauras. Vilkaviskis had a 28-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of Jamaican-American forward Seyi Reiley (198-1999, college: Seattle) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and American guard Bryce McBride (188-2000, college: YSU) who added 18 points during the contest. Reiley is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. At the losing side center Ignas Juskevicius (200-1991) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds and point guard Dominykas Domarkas (192-1992) scored 15 points and 4 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Vilkaviskis have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Omega-Tauras. Vilkaviskis is looking forward to face Jurbarkas (#5) on the road in the next round. Omega-Tauras will play against Suduva-Mantinga in Marijampole and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Vilkaviskis: S.Reiley 21+4reb+1ast, B.McBride 18+4reb+1ast, R.Stankevicius 12+5reb+2ast, R.Pocius 9+10reb, M.Zaunieriunas 9+1reb+1ast, G.Stankevicius 6+7reb+3ast
Omega-Tauras: D.Domarkas 15+2reb+4ast, S.Vasiliauskas 14+2ast, I.Juskevicius 12+13reb+2ast, R.Keliacius 8+7reb+2ast, R.Subotkevic 7+1reb+1ast, T.Galeckas 3+2reb

Delikatesas - Palanga 57-70

Palanga has registered their first victory this season.The win is especially important as it came on the road game in Joniskis, where they defeated Delikatesas (0-4) 70-57 on Saturday. Palanga made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. Palanga outrebounded Delikatesas 44-23 including a 34-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Forward Julius Kazakauskas (196-1990) fired 9 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Herkus Kumpys (197-1998, agency: BIG) chipped in 16 points and 8 rebounds. Ukrainian center Igor Chumakov (205-1990, agency: BIG) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds and forward Domantas Sarauskas (200-2004, agency: Octagon Europe) added 15 points respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Palanga (1-0) left bottom position moving up to eleventh place. Loser Delikatesas still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Alytus. Palanga will meet Rytas 2 (#12) in the next round. Delikatesas will play against Stekas (#9) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Palanga: H.Kumpys 16+8reb+1ast, J.Jucikas 14+4reb+2ast, M.Ruikis 10+2reb, J.Kazakauskas 9+12reb+5ast, M.Stasys 7+2reb+6ast, E.Bruzas 6+2reb+1ast
Delikatesas: A.Jackson 15+3reb+2ast, D.Sarauskas 15+3reb+2ast, I.Chumakov 11+10reb, G.Rumsa 6+1reb, K.Miller 5+2reb+3ast, S.Kriauciunas 3+2reb+1ast

Neptunas-Akv. - Stekas 85-67

Very expected game in Klaipeda where 6th ranked Stekas (2-2) was defeated by top-ranked Neptunas-Akv. (4-0) 85-67 on Saturday. Strangely Stekas outrebounded Neptunas-Akv. 49-29 including a 26-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. Guard Ernestas Jonkus (187-1999, agency: BIG) fired 15 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Lebanese forward Karim Rtail (203-2004) chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds. Four Neptunas-Akv. players scored in double figures. Neptunas-Akv.'s coach Simonas Serapinas used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. The former international power forward Vaidas Cepukaitis (207-1989, agency: Interperformances) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds and Dominykas Bucas (203-1999) added 13 points and 10 rebounds respectively for lost side. Neptunas-Akv. have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record. Loser Stekas dropped to the eighth place with two games lost. They share the position with Zalgiris II and Kretinga. Neptunas-Akv. will meet at home Telsiai (#4) in the next round. Stekas will play against Delikatesas (#16) in Joniskis and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Neptunas-Akv.: K.Rtail 17+5reb, E.Jonkus 15+5reb+3ast, K.Metrikis 15+3reb+2ast, K.Lesciauskas 13+3reb+4ast, R.Sakaitis 8+2reb, R.Maciulis 8+3reb+2ast
Stekas: V.Cepukaitis 14+12reb, D.Bucas 13+10reb+1ast, M.Serksnas 10+2reb+1ast, P.Semaska 9+8reb+3ast, E.Matulevic 9+2reb, L.Pivoriunas 6+5reb+1ast

P.Olimpas - Kretinga 74-98

The game between closely ranked teams ended with twelfth ranked Kretinga's (2-2) road victory over 13th ranked P.Olimpas (1-6) 98-74 on Saturday. Kretinga looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Center Rytis Zabita (199-1994) fired 17 points and 9 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winners. Swingman Gytis Macionis (195-2001) chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Tadas Kymantas (186-1995) produced 19 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and American swingman Jared Small (201-1997, college: CMU) added 10 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. 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. Kretinga moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Zalgiris II and Stekas. P.Olimpas lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the fourteenth position with six games lost. Kretinga will meet league's second-placed Vytis in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. P.Olimpas will play against Alytus (#15) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kretinga: J.Ziubrys 19+1reb+2ast, G.Macionis 18+6reb+1ast, E.Preibys 18+5reb+2ast, R.Zabita 17+9reb+1ast, T.Budrys 11+4reb+1ast, M.Staniulis 5+3reb+8ast
P.Olimpas: T.Kymantas 19+5reb+3ast, R.Kreismontas 13+4reb+1ast, M.Jurkaitis 10+1reb+2ast, J.Small 10+7reb+1ast, T.Kararinas 7+3reb+2ast, V.Anisimov 6+5reb

Rytas 2 - Suduva-Mantinga 84-96

Not a big story in a game in Vilnius where 10th ranked Rytas 2 (1-3) was defeated by eighth ranked Suduva-Mantinga (2-1) 96-84 on Saturday. Suduva-Mantinga made 25-of-32 free shots (78.1 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Rytas 2's players. Guard Vytautas Sulskis (201-1988, college: YSU, agency: BIG) fired 18 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Guard Domantas Vilys (188-2000) chipped in 23 points. Forward Danielius Kasparas (202-2004, agency: BIG) produced 20 points and 7 rebounds and guard Ignas Urbonas (198-2007) added 18 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Suduva-Mantinga moved-up to seventh place. Loser Rytas 2 dropped to the twelfth position with three games lost. They share it with Silute. Suduva-Mantinga will meet at home higher ranked Omega-Tauras (#6) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Rytas 2 will play against Palanga (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Suduva-Mantinga: D.Vilys 23+1reb, V.Sulskis 18+9reb+5ast, A.Simonis 13+5reb+2ast, M.Valukonis 10+2ast, T.Kliucinykas 9+4reb+3ast, I.Labutis 9+6reb+6ast
Rytas 2: D.Kasparas 20+7reb+2ast, I.Urbonas 18+5reb+2ast, D.Remeikis 15, G.Krizanauskas 9+4reb+3ast, A.Rimkus 9+4reb+2ast, G.Jokubauskas 8+3reb+3ast

Vytis - Telsiai 108-100

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Telsiai (3-1) against top-ranked Vytis (3-0) on Saturday night. Visiting Telsiai was defeated by Vytis in a tough game in Sakiai 100-108. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Telsiai. Vytis shot 62.9 percent from the field and made 19-of-21 charity shots (90.5 percent) during the game. Vytis had a 30-15 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. The winners were led by Augustinas Mikstas (203-2001, agency: Octagon Europe) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 31 points and 17 rebounds (on 13-of-17 shooting from the field) and guard Jokubas Rubinas (187-2002) supported him with 22 points. Even 23 points by the former international guard Martynas Gecevicius (193-1988) did not help to save the game for Telsiai. Point guard Nojus Radzius (183-2005) added 19 points for lost side. Four Vytis and five Telsiai players scored in double figures. Vytis have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Telsiai at the other side keeps the third position with one game lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Vytis will play against Kretinga (#10) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Telsiai will play against the league's leader Neptunas-Akv. (#1) in Klaipeda and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Vytis: A.Mikstas 31+17reb+1ast, J.Rubinas 22+1reb+1ast, G.Celka 15+4reb+3ast, P.Velutis 14+3reb+1ast, D.Kumelis 13+3reb+5ast, A.Adomavicius 6+3reb+10ast
Telsiai: M.Gecevicius 23+4reb+3ast, N.Radzius 19+1reb+3ast, G.Lesciauskas 19+2reb, L.Valantinas 14+5reb+1ast, D.Rasys 10+7reb+2ast, V.Pocius 10+3reb

Zalgiris II - Alytus 78-68

Everything went according to plan in Kaunas where ninth ranked Zalgiris II (2-2) beat bottom-ranked Alytus (0-4) 78-68 on Saturday. Zalgiris II outrebounded Alytus 47-31 including a 32-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Zalgiris II looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Forward Mantas Juzenas (199-2006) fired a double-double by scoring 11 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists for the winners. Center Aleksas Bieliauskas (206-2005) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds. Four Zalgiris II players scored in double figures. Guard Juozas Balciunas (188-1994, college: Trinity Christian) produced 20 points and American forward Issac Stanback (196-2000, college: Pikeville, agency: KAM) added 11 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Zalgiris II moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Kretinga and Stekas. Newly promoted Alytus still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Delikatesas. Zalgiris II will meet at home Silute (#13) in the next round where they are favorite. Alytus will play against P.Olimpas in Plunge and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Zalgiris II: D.Buika 14+3reb+2ast, G.Gicevicius 13+1reb+2ast, A.Bieliauskas 12+8reb+2ast, M.Juzenas 11+12reb+9ast, J.Rudaitis 8+6reb+1ast, A.Navickas 6+5reb+1ast
Alytus: J.Balciunas 20+2reb+2ast, M.Pocevicius 11+2reb, I.Stanback 11+9reb+1ast, L.Kazlauskas 9+4reb+5ast, M.Davis 7+2reb+1ast, R.Rutkauskas 4+9reb+2ast

Jurbarkas - Silute 81-77

There was no surprise when 11th ranked Silute (1-3) was defeated on the road by fifth ranked Jurbarkas (3-1) 81-77 on Saturday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Jurbarkas forced 22 Silute turnovers. Power forward Karolis Guscikas (206-1992, agency: BIG) fired 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Point guard Paulius Danisevicius (178-1995, agency: BIG) chipped in 18 points and 4 steals. Jurbarkas' coach Povilas Valaitis used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Ukrainian power forward Vadym Prokopenko (206-1995, agency: BIG) produced 21 points and point guard Laurynas Balkunas (192-1999) added 13 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Jurbarkas and five Silute players scored in double figures. Jurbarkas have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Silute lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the twelfth position with three games lost. They share it with Rytas 2. Jurbarkas will meet at home Vilkaviskis (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Silute will play against Zalgiris II (#8) in Kaunas and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Jurbarkas: P.Danisevicius 18+1reb+3ast, T.Delininkaitis 17+3ast, K.Guscikas 15+8reb+1ast, M.Bulanovas 10+2reb+3ast, G.Matulis 7+8reb+6ast, E.Dimsa 7+4reb
Silute: V.Prokopenko 21+4reb, N.Jankunas 15+2reb+2ast, J.Harris 14+1reb, L.Balkunas 13+7reb+3ast, G.Mazeika 11+7reb+1ast, P.Kazlauskas 2+4ast