Comprehensive Coverage of Basketball: News, Scores, Statistics, Analysis, Standings

There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in Liga Nova KBM. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Fifth defeat of league’s leader Krka (21-5) against tenth ranked Hopsi Polzela (9-17) 98-95 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Krka. 24 personal fouls committed by Krka helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Serbian guard Vladimir Vranic (191-1989) orchestrated the victory by scoring 27 points and 5 rebounds. American point guard Anthony Collins (185-1992, college: Texas A&M) contributed with 18 points, 6 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Hopsi Polzela’s coach Bostjan Kuhar used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Point guard Niko Bacvic (191-1997) replied with 27 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) for Krka. Hopsi Polzela moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Triglav. Krka at the other side still keeps top position with five games lost. They were joined at the leadership position by Helios Suns who have the same record. Krka will play next round against league’s leader Helios Suns trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Hopsi Polzela will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Rogaska in Rogaska Slatina.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Helios Suns as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader’s (Krka) loss. Helios Suns smashed 7th ranked Rogaska in Domzale 99-69. The former international forward Blaz Mahkovic (201-1990, agency: Interperformances) scored 25 points and 8 assists (perfect from downtown making all seven shots !!!) to lead the charge for the winners and Jan Copot chipped in 21 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. American power forward Jordan Session (203-1996, college: Georgia St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds. Rogaska’s coach Dragisa Drobnjak gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Helios Suns have a solid four-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Krka. Rogaska at the other side keeps the seventh place with 16 games lost. They share the position with Sentjur. Rogaska will play next round against Hopsi Polzela trying to get back on the winning streak. Helios Suns will try to continue on its current victory against second-ranked Krka at Novo Mesto.

Very important is a road loss of third-ranked Ilirija (14-12) against ninth-ranked Triglav (9-17) on Saturday night. Visiting Ilirija was crushed by Triglav in Kranj 93-72. Uros Sikanic notched 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort. Triglav’s coach felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 14 points and 7 rebounds (perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) by Sergej Macura did not help to save the game for Ilirija. Newly promoted Triglav maintains ninth position with a 9-17 record, which they share with Hopsi Polzela. Ilirija lost its fifth consecutive game. They keep the third place with 12 games lost. Triglav will meet higher-ranked Terme Olimia (#6) in the next round and it may be quite a challenging game. Ilirija will play against LTH Castings and it may be a tough game between close rivals.