Continuing the winning streak in Split

Cedevita Olimpija beat Split 98:81 in the Round 16 of the ABA League and recorded its 11th victory in the regional championship.

The Dragons crowned the excellent results from the clashes with Budućnost VOLI previously this week with a victory over Split to finish the week of three games undefeated. On the Adriatic coast, the Ljubljana basketball players came to victory with a score of 98:81 with a tactically mature performance. For Jurica Golemec’s squad, this was the 11th win in 14 games in the ABA League.

The Cedevita Olimpija team opened the match with a dreamlike first quarter. After a good seven minutes of the game, the Ljubljana team was winning by 15 points. The home team found the answer to slow them down in the second quarter and reduced the Dragons’ lead to seven points by the halftime break.

The Dragons were again flying high in the third quarter, in which they scored 29 points lead by Edo Murić. The Ljubljana team showed a lot of responsibility in the offense, where they found open shots which they scored with high efficiency. Jurica Golemec’s team recorded only eight turnovers in 40 minutes of play, the least in this season of the ABA League. With an uncompromising play until the last sound of the buzzer, the team from Stožice won with 98:81.

Jarrod Jones was the Dragons’ top scorer again in our second meeting with Split this season. The American power forward scored 20 points and grabbed five rebounds. With four baskets from beyond the arc, he continued a series of games in the ABA League with at least one made three-pointer, which is now extended to 12 matches. Mikael Hopkins, who scored 10 points in the first quarter, finished the game at 18. Edo Murić recorded 15 points with five assists, Kendrick Perry added 13, and Jaka Blažič 12 with six rebounds.

Ljubljana team will face two tests next week. On Wednesday they will play JL Bourg en Bresse in the third round of the Top 16 Stage in 7DAYS EuroCup. On Saturday, Cedevita Olimpija will be back in the Dragon’s nest facing Partizan NIS in the Round 17 of the ABA League.

STATEMENTS AFTER THE GAME

Jurica Golemac, Head Coach of Cedevita Olimpija:
“Congratulations to the guys for this important victory. We were afraid of the game since it was our third in five days. I was concerned about our energy and motivation level. However, this whole time we have been working hard and the team knew what situation we were in. Against a very dangerous Split team, we gave our all and deserve the victory. We feel good which starts on the defense. Even when we are missing shots we know we can fall back on our defense. This gives us confidence because missed shots don’t have negative consequences.”

Edo Murić, Player of KK Cedevita Olimpija:
“I was scared of the game against Split. We know they play good basketball, especially in their arena. They needed a leader and I think Roko Leni Ukić leads their team fantastically. We were prepared well and knew what was waitings for us. We went into the game with total determination and did not allow them to surprise us. I’m glad that we reacted maturely and prevailed. We are looking forward to the game on Wednesday which is going to be very important. This whole season we are working hard and focusing solely on basketball. The coach is keeping us in the gym and is looking after every detail. The results of the work are showing, which makes me happy. We know that our grind will be paid off.”

ABA LEAGUE, ROUND 16

Mala dvorana KK Split (Split, Croatia), Sunday, January 24:
SPLIT – CEDEVITA OLIMPIJA 81:98 (13:23, 23:20, 23:29, 22:26)
Cedevita Olimpija: Radović, Perry 13, Hopkins 18, Murić 15 (5 assists), Blažič 12 (6 rebounds), Hodžić 4, Jones 20 (5 rebounds), Dimec 6, Brown 5 (5 rebounds), Ščuka, Duščak, Rupnik 3 (7 assists).

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GALLERY

STANDINGS