Comeback win over Krka after 15-point deficit

The Cedevita Olimpija basketball players returned to the competitive rhytm with a victory over their rivals from Novo mesto. In the Round 14 of the ABA League, the Dragons celebrated a 95:88 victory over Krka, thus extending their undefeated streak to seven consecutive games.

The Ljubljana basketball players defeated Krka from Novo mesto for the third time in the 2020/21 season. After a miserable start to the game and a deficit of 15 points in the middle of the second quarter, Jurica Golemec’s team consolidated their ranks and registered their 13th victory in the ABA League with a score of 95:88.

The initial minutes of the meeting in Leon Štukelj Sports Hall foretold an equal showdown between two Slovenian opponents in the regional competition, but only until the sixth minute of the match, when the basketball players from Novo mesto managed to distance themselves from the favorites of the Ljubljana audience. The hosts scored 35 points in the first quarter due to excellent efficiency and a high field goal percentage, while the Ljubljana team found itself behind. They were behind by seven points at the end of the first half

The break between the halves was followed by an excellent third quarter of Ljubljana. The Dragon team caught a wave of more aggressiveness on defense and calmness in the offensive finished and took the initiative on the floor. After a few changes in the lead in the last quarter, the protégés of Jurica Golemec ended the game in the lead with seven points, their highest lead of the game.

This time, Mikael Hopkins proved himself with exceptional performance, scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds in just over 27 minutes on the floor. He was followed by Jaka Blažič with 19 points, and in the second part of the match, Kendrick Perry added his share to the victory of the green-orange team with 14 points, five assists and five rebounds. Alen Hodžič set his personal scoring record of the season in the ABA League with 16 points. 11 points were collected by Edo Murić, who also registered five rebounds. Ivan Marinković was missing in Novo mesto due to health problems.

The team from Stožice will play two more matches until the end of the week. Already on Thursday, the Dragons will open the Nova KBM League with a match against Gorenjska gradbena družba Šenčur. The meeting, which starts at 19:00, will be played mainly by younger members of the team, who have received fewer opportunities to play so far this season, and some of the members of the junior team will join the squad as well. The Ljubljana team will continue with the clashes in the ABA League on Saturday, when they will try to avenge the FMP basketball players for the December defeat in Belgrade.

STATEMENTS AFTER THE GAME

Jurica Golemac, Head Coach of KK Cedevita Olimpija:
“Very important win. Like I predicted it was a difficult game since we haven’t practiced together for three weeks. Before this game, we only had one practice with the whole squad involved. It was evident we didn’t have the same energy as before this break. The Guys showed their character again. They stepped up and stuck together which got us this win. Mikael Hopkins and Alen Hodžić both had a terrific performance. Kendrick Perry did not train with us for the last couple of days but still showed up in the second half. Jaka Blažič, Luka Rupnik in Žiga Dimec contributed their parts. Jarrod Jones had foul troubles but still helped us. The team always wins.”

Mikael Hopkins, Player of KK Cedevita Olimpija:
“It was a tough league game. Especially playing a team from Slovenia. We play them up to six times a year so they know us a lot. It was a tough game on the road. That was what we expected coming back from the break. We haven’t played in about 20 days so everyone was a bit rusty, especially since we haven’t practiced with the guys that were gone with the national team. It was good to get a win in the ABA League. We have a talented team, anyone can step up any time. I am just staying patient, being ready, and doing what my team needs. I’m staying aggressive, rebounding and today I was scoring the ball. Any day anyone can step up. We have a tough schedule ahead of us. We missed a couple of games, got to make up a few. We will take it a game at a time, prepare for each team and be ready.”

ABA LEAGUE, ROUND 14

ŠD Leona Štuklja (Novo mesto, Slovenia), Wednesday, February 24:
KRKA – CEDEVITA OLIMPIJA 88:95 (35:23, 22:27, 15:23, 16:22)
Cedevita Olimpija: Radović, Perry 14 (5 rebounds, 5 assists), Hopkins 23 (12 rebounds), Murić 11 (5 rebounds), Blažič 19, Hodžić 16, Jones, Dimec 4, Brown 6, Ščuka, Duščak, Rupnik 2.

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