Lithuania – NKL Round 16: Rasai keeps a leadership position

TomasGaleckas The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Rasai as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Rasai defeated 6th ranked Silute in Raseiniai 101-86. The game was mostly controlled by Rasai. Silute managed to win second period 25-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Tomas Galeckas (183-94) who helped to win the game recording 20 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Guard Sarunas Vingelis (191-89) contributed with 23 points and 4 steals for the winners. Center Tomas Zdanavicius (203-96) replied with 22 points and 8 rebounds for Silute. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Nafta-Uni. Silute at the other side keeps the sixth place with seven games lost. They share the position with Vytis. Silute will play next round against Palanga trying to get back on the winning streak. Rasai will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Vytis in Sakiai. Twelfth-ranked Delikatesas (5-11) was very close to win a game against fifth ranked Perlas-MRU (11-6) in Vilnius. Perlas-MRU managed to secure only two-point victory 90-88. However their fans expected much easier game. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Margiris Normantas (193-96) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 4 assists and Arnas Berucka who added 17 points during the contest. Perlas-MRU’s coach Arvydas Gronskis used entire bench in such tough game. At the losing side swingman Zilvinas Petraitis (194-88) responded with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Perlas-MRU moved-up to fourth place. Delikatesas at the other side dropped to the eleventh position with 11 games lost. They share it with Mazeikiai. Perlas-MRU will play against Telsiai (#5) in Telsiu in the next round. Delikatesas will play on the road against Suduva-Mantinga (#3) in Marijampole and hopes to get back on the winning track. The game between tenth ranked Zalgiris II (7-10) and 9th ranked Palanga (6-10) in Kaunas on Saturday ended with biggest points difference. Zalgiris II outscored guests from Palanga 86-64. The winners were led by Laurynas Birutis who scored that evening 22 points. Coach Tomas Masiulis’s team controlled all game and the coach could let to play all 12 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 24 points by Kadeem Green did not help to save the game for Palanga. Zalgiris II moved-up to ninth place. Palanga lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth position with ten games lost. Zalgiris II will meet at home Mazeikiai (#11) in the next round. Palanga will play against Silute and hope to secure a win. In the last two games of round 16 Nafta-Uni. beat Mazeikiai on the road 86-79. Petrochema lost to KTU on its own court 63-69. The most impressive performance of 16th round was 12 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists by Vitalijus Kozys of Palanga.Perlas-MRU – Delikatesas 90-88Twelfth-ranked Delikatesas (5-11) was very close to win a game against fifth ranked Perlas-MRU (11-6) in Vilnius. Perlas-MRU managed to secure only two-point victory 90-88. However their fans expected much easier game. Delikatesas cut a 21-point halftime deficit to two at the end of the game. Perlas-MRU forced 22 Delikatesas turnovers and had a 17-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Margiris Normantas (193-96) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 4 assists and forward Arnas Berucka (195-97) who added 17 points during the contest. Four Perlas-MRU players scored in double figures. Perlas-MRU’s coach Arvydas Gronskis used entire bench in such …

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