Slovenia – Liga Nova KBM Round 12: Krka defeats Un.Olimpija in the closest game of the week

Ron Curry The most exciting game of round 12 in the Liga Nova KBM took place in Novo Mesto. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of second-best Un.Olimpija (8-4) to fifth ranked Krka (8-4) 68-65 in the game for the second place. The hosts trailed by 7 points after three quarters before their 27-17 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Krka made 16-of-19 free shots (84.2 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Ron Curry (191-93, college: JMU, agency: Octagon Europe) who helped to win the game recording 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international point guard Matic Rebec (181-95) who added 15 points and 7 assists during the contest. Krka’s coach Dejan Mihevc used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. The best for the losing side was swingman Gregor Hrovat (196-94) with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Krka moved-up to second place, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Un.Olimpija. Krka is looking forward to face Helios (#7) in Domzale in the next round where they are favorite. Un.Olimpija will play at home against Hopsi Polzela (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Liga Nova KBM top team – Zlatorog (11-2) added another victory to their record. This time they beat twelfth ranked Portoroz (1-11) 82-76. The winners were led by point guard Jan Span (187-92) who scored that evening 28 points and Ramo Rizvic supported him with 18 points and 5 rebounds. Even 18 points and 9 rebounds by forward Tim Skerbec (200-93) did not help to save the game for Portoroz. Portoroz’s coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn’t help. Zlatorog maintains first position with 11-2 record. Portoroz lost eighth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 11 games lost. Zlatorog will play against Helios (#7) in Domzale in the next round where they are favorite. Portoroz will play on the road against Sencur Gor. (#9) in Kranj to get more than just one victory in their record. Seventh ranked Lastovka (8-4) crushed at home 10th ranked LTH Castings (1-9) by 47 points 104-57, which is the biggest margin this round on Thursday night. The best player for the winners was Nejc Zupan who scored 20 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). At the other side the best for losing team was Luka Grum who recorded 14 points and 5 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Lastovka moved-up to second place, which they share with 4 other teams. LTH Castings lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with nine games lost. Lastovka will meet at home Tajfun (#8) in the next round where they are favorite. LTH Castings will play against Tajfun and it may be a tough game between close rivals. In the last two games of round 12 Sencur Gor. lost to Hopsi Polzela on the opponent’s court 65-72. Rogaska managed to outperform Terme Olimia in a home game 83-71. The most impressive stats of the last round was 22 points and 8 rebounds by Jakob Cebasek of Hopsi Polzela.Hopsi Polzela – Sencur Gor. 72-65Rather expected game when 9th ranked Sencur Gor. (4-8) was defeated on the road by seventh ranked Hopsi Polzela (8-4) 72-65 on Friday. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 24-15. But Sencur Gor. won third quarter 26-16. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Hopsi Polzela forced 19 Sencur Gor. turnovers. The best player for the winners was swingman Jakob Cebasek (200-91) who scored 22 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Zan Kosic (185-93) chipped in 14 points and 6 assists. Four Hopsi Polzela players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American point guard Anthony Collins (185-92, college: Texas A&M) who recorded 11 points and 5 assists and power forward Marko Pajic (204-92) added 8 points and 9 rebounds respectively. Sencur Gor.’s coach Ernest Novak tested ten players, but that …

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