A win to start the playoffs
The Cedevita Olimpija team recorded a victory with the score 97:48 in Game 1 of the quarterfinal set of Nova KBM League with Hopsi Polzela in Stožice at home on Tuesday. In Slovenia, for the first time since 2019, the finals of the national championship began on Tuesday. The basketball players of Cedevita Olimpija, who … Continued
The Cedevita Olimpija team recorded a victory with the score 97:48 in Game 1 of the quarterfinal set of Nova KBM League with Hopsi Polzela in Stožice at home on Tuesday.
In Slovenia, for the first time since 2019, the finals of the national championship began on Tuesday. The basketball players of Cedevita Olimpija, who we were able to watch in the finals of the Nova KBM League in the 2018/19 season, started the finals with a victory in the first match of the quarterfinal set with Hopsi Polzela. In the Arena Stožice, after 40 minutes of play, the scoreboard showed 97:48 in favor of the head coach Jurica Golemec’s squad. The players of Ljubljana can secure a place in the semifinals on Thursday at Polzela.
The Dragons took over in the first quarter and then maintained a high advantage throughout the whole game. Before the last quarter, they had an advantage of 40 points (73:33), and in the end they were looking forward to a high victory.
Cedevita Olimpija team again played without Mikael Hopkins and Rion Brown in the rotation. Luka Ščuka was the top scorere with 18 points and five rebounds. Jaka Blažič followed with 13, Alen Hodžič with 12. Under the rims Žiga Dimec (10 points, seven rebounds) and Jarrod Jones (five points, nine rebounds) were dominant.
The second match of the quarterfinal set will be on Thursday at 18.00 in Polzela. The possible third match will be on Saturday at 19.00 in Arena Stožice.
STATEMENTS AFTER THE GAME:
Jurica Golemac, head coach of Cedevita Olimpija:
»Congratulations to the guys for the right attitude. As an athlete, you should never underestimate anyone. Everyone who stepped on the court gave their best. It is important we use these games as practice. The new matchup with Hopsi awaits us. We will not underestimate them again and we need to stay focused to get into the semifinals.«
Luka Ščuka, player of Cedevita Olimpija:
»Congratulations to the team for the phenomenal game. I am thankful the coach gave us an opportunity to play for our young guys. We will aim to win and get into the semifinals in the next game. I expect the same outcome and another big victory.«
NOVA KBM LEAGUE, 1/4 FINAL
GAME 1
Arena Stožice (Ljubljana, Slovenia), Tuesday, May 4:
CEDEVITA OLIMPIJA – HOPSI POLZELA 97:48 (34:16, 16:5, 23:12, 24:15)
Cedevita Olimpija: Perry 6, Murić 9, Blažič 13, Ščuka 18 (5 rebounds), Dimec 10 (7 rebounds), Radović 7 (5 rebounds), Duščak 6 (7 assists), Hodžić 12, Jones 5 (9 rebounds), Marinković 6, Rupnik 5.
GAME 2
Sports Hall Polzela (Polzela, Slovenia), Thursday, May 6, at 18.00:
HOPSI POLZELA – CEDEVITA OLIMPIJA
*The team that first reaches two wins, will advance to the semi-finals. Possible Game 3 will be on Saturday, May 8, at 19.00 in Stožice Arena.
