Crvena Zvezda defeated Krka 81-69 on their home court in the 29th round of the ABA League, improving to a 21-7 record and leaving their opponent at 5-24.
By deciding to bench Kalinic for this game, Ioannis Sfairopoulos clearly sent the message that he intended to use this match to distribute playing time and give the rest of the team a chance to break the resistance of a tricky opponent, who knows how to get into rhythm when given the opportunity. From the very start, it was very challenging, and Crvena Zvezda finished the first quarter with a 17-15 lead.
Krka then started to find their rhythm. In the early minutes of the second quarter, the guards shone, and on the wings of this, Dejan Jakara’s team gained a 25-22 lead. On the other side, Filip Petrusev got involved, and when Ognjen Dobric took responsibility at the end of the first half, Red Star led 39-33 going into the break.
Just when it seemed like the host had gained the momentum, as they soon led by 10 points, the Slovenian team responded. Jan Span woke up and, after a scoreless first 20 minutes, hit three consecutive three-pointers, bringing Krka to within two points (49:47). However, Crvena Zvezda didn’t want to leave anything to chance, and with a 12:3 run, they closed that segment of the game and entered the final period leading 61-50.
- Fenerbahce crushes Paris to take 2–0 series lead
- Sarunas Jasikevicius named EuroLeague Coach of the Year
By the end of the game, Crvena Zvezda only increased their lead, and there was no way back for Krka. The reigning champion secured an easy victory.
The top scorers for the winners were Petrusev with 17 points and Rokas Giedraitis with 15, while Krka was led by Miha Cerkvenik with 12 points, and Špan and Niko Bacvic with 10 points each. Mike Daum, returning after injury for the red-and-whites, scored two points in nine minutes.
Top Betting Offers 2025:
