Fourth win against Krka this season

In the fifth round of the second part of the Nova KBM League, Cedevita Olimpija defeated Krka 76:63 on the road in Novo mesto and recorded their third victory in the national championship.

Cedevita Olimpija defeated Krka Novo mesto for the fourth time in the 2020/21 season. After the Super Cup and two meetings in the ABA League, the Slovenian rivals competed this time in the Leon Štukelj Sports Hall in the national championship match, which the Dragons won with the final score of 76:63. This was Jurica Golemec’s team’s third victory in the second part of the Nova KBM League. Ljubljana won over Novo mesto the day before the 19th anniversary of winning the ABA League title in the Tivoli Hall. On March 24, 2002, the Dragons defeated Krka from Novo mesto in the final match of the regional competition in the Temple of Slovenian Basketball.

After the initial lead, the Ljubljana team quickly found themselves behind, before the home team’s advantage was broken by the team from Stožice in the middle of the second quarter. In the continuation of the match, the favorites of the Ljubljana audience, despite the aggressive defense of the Dolenjska team, managed to maintain the gained lead, which grew from quarter to quarter. Slightly more turnovers of Jurica Golemec’s protégés were replaced with an excellent percentage of three points shots and the game finished with a calm finale and Dragons’ 76:63 victory. The youngest members of the team, Luka Ščuka, Rok Radović and Dan Duščak, also got the opportunity to play in Novo mesto.

With 19 points and 10 rebounds, Mikael Hopkins was the statistical leader of the Ljubljana team. 19 points were also scored by Jarrod Jones, who hit four threes. Edo Murić collected 11 points, and Kendrick Perry filled the boxscore with nine points, five assists and five rebounds. Alen Hodžić finished the match with six points.

Basketball players from the Dragons nest will end the week in Zagreb, where they will compete with Cibona at the game of the 23rd round of the ABA League on Friday. The match, which starts at 17.00, will be broadcast live on Arena Sport 1. In the Nova KBM League, the team in green-orange jerseys will be tested again on Friday, April 2, away at Rogaška.

STATEMENTS AFTER THE GAME

Jurica Golemac, Head Coach of KK Cedevita Olimpija:
“Congratulations to the guys for the win. It is never easy in Novo mesto. We did not start the game according to our wishes. We didn’t have the energy that we need in every game. You can’t win without willpower. Later we woke up and played good defense for three quarters. In offense we still have a lot left to prove, we have to play smarter.” 

Edo Murić, Player of KK Cedevita Olimpija:
“Game against Krka was difficult, they are always a tough nut to crack. It is a Slovenian derby and it is always hard to play in Leon Štukelj Sports Hall so I’m happy with the win. It wasn’t easy, we had to give 500 percent. We know what we have to do. We have to be the best in Slovenia and continue with performances like this.”

NOVA KBM LEAGUE, PART 2, ROUND 5

ŠD Leona Štuklja (Novo mesto, Slovenia), Tuesday, March 23:
KRKA – CEDEVITA OLIMPIJA 63:76 (24:15, 10:24, 17:21, 12:16)
Cedevita Olimpija: Radović, Duščak 1, Brown 2 (6 rebounds), Hopkins 19 (10 rebounds), Murić 11, Rupnik 1, Hodžić 6, Jones 19, Ščuka, Marinković 4, Dimec 4, Perry 9 (5 rebounds, 5 assists).

STANDINGS