Big game coming up in Novo mesto – Krka host Budućnost VOLI

2024/25 AdmiralBet ABA League Round 28, Saturday, 19 April 2025:

KRKA – BUDUĆNOST VOLI

Where? Leon Štukelj Sports Hall, Novo mesto

When? 17:00

Story of the game: On Saturday, Krka will be hosting Budućnost VOLI at home in their Leon Štukelj Sports Hall in what is expected to be another basketball festival in Novo mesto.

Budućnost VOLI are entering the game after a big win over Partizan Mozzart Bet, which puts them atop of the standings right now with a 24:3 record and they will need to keep winning in the remaining 3 rounds of the Regular Season in order to claim the top of the standings after the end of the Regular Season. On the other hand, Krka are now on a 5:22 record in the 14th place, just outside the danger zone and need a win or two until the end of the Regular Season in order not to threaten their AdmiralBet ABA League spot for the forthcoming season.

Lately Budućnost VOLI have been on fire, having won their last 5 games this season, while Krka, on the other side, have only won 1 game over the span of the last 5 rounds, and are entering this game after a road win in Gradiška against Igokea m:tel.

Previously, the games between the two squads have always been exciting in Novo mesto, as the two squads have met 15 times in Leon Štukelj Sports Hall, with Krka grabbing 7 victories and Budućnost VOLI 8.

The first time the two squads met this season, however, it has been Budućnost VOLI that have celebrated a win quite comfortably at home in their Morača Sports Hall in Podgorica (97:87).

Who will their showdown end this time around?

Match-up in focus: As Krka and Budućnost VOLI gear up for their showdown, all eyes will be on the duel between their floor generals — Tayler Persons and McKinley Wright. Both guards are the engines of their respective teams, leading in both scoring and playmaking, and their clash could very well dictate the outcome of the game. A cerebral floor general, Persons thrives in pick-and-roll situations and excels at creating for others. His 7.6 assists per game show he's the primary orchestrator of Krka’s offense, with the vision and timing to get teammates involved. His scoring comes from crafty drives and a reliable mid-range game, and he's not afraid to take big shots in crunch time and right now he is leading Krka with 13.5 points scored per game. Wright brings a mix of strength and quickness, using his low center of gravity to break down defenses and finish through contact. While his 13.1 points lead Budućnost, his 5 assists per game indicate a slightly more scoring-oriented role compared to Persons. Wright pushes the pace in transition and applies constant rim pressure, making him a tough cover one-on-one. Who will take his team to the win this time around?

Head-to-head score in the regional league: In total 8:23; In Novo mesto 7:8.