Zadar outplayed Krka on their home court with a score of 70:53 to open the ABA League’s Round 17, wins for Buducnost and Borac.
Marko Ramljak and Luka Bozic did not play for Zadar. The guests were in full strength.
Gasper Okorn’s team was preparing for Bozic in the starting lineup of the opponent but did not encounter him. It seemed to disrupt the concept of both the offense and defense of the visiting Krka, which played the first quarter probably for the history books, as they attempted only one two-point shot. As a result of such play, Zadar gained a double-digit lead at the end of the first quarter and directed the game in the desired direction.
The second quarter brought a less efficient performance on both sides. Neither team managed to find a way to the opponent’s basket, although it suited Zadar more, reaching a plus 20 with points from Lovro Mazalin. Krka managed to reduce the deficit by the end of the first half, and towards the end, a three-pointer from Miha Cerkvenik cut it to minus nine. The guests didn’t stop there, as the same player hit another three from the same distance to bring Krka to minus six before halftime.
Zadar decided the game in the 3/4 quarter
It was a prelude to even greater pressure from the Slovenian team, becoming complete when the scoreboard showed only 38:34 for Zadar. In the following minutes, the lead of Danijel Jusup’s team fluctuated between seven-eight and four points, so the home team could not relax. Juan Davis Jr then took responsibility and changed the situation, allowing Zadar to enter the last 10 minutes with a more comfortable plus 12.
The home team didn’t stop there. They opened the fourth quarter even more aggressively and increased their lead minute by minute. Krka was completely inferior at that moment, unable to pose a threat, and had to accept defeat.
The top scorers for the winners were Lovro Mazalin and Karlo Zganec with 16 points each, while Cerkvenik led the opponents with 14 points.
In the next round, Zadar will visit Cibona, while Krka will host Mornar.
Borac started the second half better and reached a double-digit lead for the first time at 61:49 after a 13:2 run. The visiting team managed to respond, staging a comeback with a 17:2 run to take the lead at 66:63. After a three-pointer by Bojan Tomasevic, the score was tied at 66-66 heading into the final quarter.
In the last quarter, Borac extended their lead to five points, leading 82:77 with five minutes remaining. The guests closed the gap to 84:83, but Bojan Tomasevic made a possibly crucial three-pointer, putting Borac ahead 87:83. Aleksa Uskokovic sealed the game in the final moments.