In the ABA League 25th round, Krka surprised Cedevita Olimpija by 92:78 win in Novo Mesto, thus taking an important step in the battle for survival.
The first five minutes of the game passed in complete equality, so midway through the first quarter, the score was tied at 11:11. Nothing crucial changed in the continuation, the teams alternated in the lead, but Krka could be slightly more satisfied after 10 minutes of play – 21:19.
Midway through the second period, Gasper Okorn’s team made a 10:2 run, gaining a significant advantage in the game. The disastrous offensive performance by the visiting team was punished with three successful three-pointers, rapidly extending the lead to 16 points (49:33). Cedevita Olimpija managed to find some rhythm towards the end of the first half, reducing the deficit with an 8:2 run, although it remained double-digit at halftime – 51:41.
After conceding 30 points in the second quarter, Zoran Martic’s team managed to address defensive issues as much as possible. However, concerning the offense, nothing changed, and Krka comfortably secured a 16-point lead going into the decisive 10 minutes (70:54).
The fourth period was marked by runs on both ends of the court. At one point, the Ljubljana team managed to even cut the deficit to minus 11, but Krka resisted the opponent’s surge and ultimately secured a well-deserved triumph.
The most effective player for Krka was Leon Stergar with 17 points, seven rebounds, and as many assists, while Alen Omic stood out for Cedevita Olimpija with 14 points and an impressive 21 rebounds.
Krka is currently at the bottom of the table with five wins and 20 losses, while Cedevita Olimpija remains fourth with 15 wins and 10 losses.
In the upcoming round, Krka will be visiting Borac in Cacak, while Cedevita Olimpija will face off against Cibona in Zagreb.
In the second game of the day, Mornar defeated Borac by 80:78 after a great drama, regaining one more win than the bottom-placed Krka.