Slovenia – Liga Nova KBM Round 7: Zlatorog beats LTH Castings by two after a very close game

Jan Span Ninth-ranked LTH Castings (1-6) used its home court advantage to challenge second ranked Zlatorog (6-1) in Skofja Loka on Saturday. The visitors from Lasko managed to secure only two-point victory 77-75. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But LTH Castings won third quarter 18-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Igor Tratnik (207-89) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 9 rebounds. point guard Jan Span (187-92) contributed with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. The former international forward Zeljko Zagorac (204-81) answered with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds for LTH Castings. Zlatorog have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader. LTH Castings at the other side keep the ninth place with six games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Zlatorog are looking forward to face Lastovka (#5) in Domzale in the next round. LTH Castings will play on the road against Sencur Gor. (#8) in Kranj and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Important game to mention about took place in Novo Mesto. Fourth ranked Krka (5-2) saved a 3-point victory at home edging much higher ranked Hopsi Polzela (5-2) 83-80 in the fight for the second place. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Hopsi Polzela. It was a great evening for the former international guard Sandi Cebular (195-86, agency: Duran International) who led his team to a victory scoring 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Matic Rebec helped adding 12 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Krka’s coach Dejan Mihevc allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. At the losing side center Uros Godler (205-85) responded with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Krka moved-up to second place, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Hopsi Polzela. Krka will play against Portoroz (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Hopsi Polzela will play against Tajfun (#11) in Sentjur and hopes to get back on the winning track. Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Domzale: Lastovka (#6) and Helios (#2). Lastovka (5-2) won against visiting Helios (5-2) 71-65. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Helios. It was an exceptional evening for Duda Sanadze who led the winners and scored 17 points and 6 rebounds. Lastovka’s coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Brandyn Curry came up with 17 points and 4 assists for Helios in the defeat. Lastovka moved-up to second place, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Helios. Lastovka will meet league’s leader Zlatorog in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Helios will play against Rogaska and hope to secure a win. The game between seventh ranked Rogaska (4-3) and 11th ranked Portoroz (1-6) in Rogaska Slatina ended with biggest points difference. Rogaska outscored guests from Portoroz 92-64. Dragan Djuranovic fired a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Rogaska maintains seventh place with 4-3 record. Portoroz lost their third game in a row. They dropped to the ninth position with six games lost. Rogaska’s next round opponent will be higher ranked Helios (#6) in Domzale and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Portoroz will play at home against the league’s second-placed Krka having rather not much hope for a victory.In the last two games of round 7 Sencur Gor. beat Terme Olimia on the road 69-65. Un.Olimpija won against Tajfun on its own court 88-71. Rogaska – Portoroz 92-64The game between seventh ranked Rogaska (4-3) and 11th ranked Portoroz (1-6) in Rogaska Slatina ended with biggest points difference. Rogaska outscored guests from Portoroz 92-64. The game without a history. Rogaska led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Rogaska forced 19 Portoroz turnovers and outrebounded them 42-17 including a 28-12 advantage in defensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists. Bosnian power forward Dragan Djuranovic (203-88) fired a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Guard Miha Fon (194-84) chipped in 21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Four Rogaska players scored in double figures. Power forward Jure Besedic (205-92) produced 14 points and Bosnian guard Marko Vukovic …

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