Krka seek first victory as high-flying FMP arrive in Novo mesto
Krka and FMP will face each other in Novo mesto on Sunday evening in Round 3 of the 2026/27 AdmiralBet ABA League season.
(Photo: Krka/Drago Perko/kosarka.si)
2026/27 AdmiralBet ABA League Regular Season Group A, Round 3, Sunday, 11 October 2026:
KRKA - FMP
Where? Leon Štukelj Sports Hall, Novo mesto
When? 18:00
Story of the Game: Krka and FMP will face each other in Novo mesto on Sunday evening in Round 3 of the 2026/27 AdmiralBet ABA League season. While the hosts will be looking to secure their first victory of the new campaign, FMP arrive in Novo mesto full of confidence after producing one of the biggest surprises of the opening round by defeating Crvena zvezda Meridianbet.
Krka suffered a narrow 72:77 home defeat against Budućnost VOLI in Round 2, despite putting up a strong fight against one of the competition's title contenders. Jan Rebec led the hosts with 16 points, while Naje Smith recorded an impressive double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds for a PIR of 31.
On the other side, FMP stunned Crvena zvezda Meridianbet with a dramatic 90:89 victory in Belgrade, ending a long losing streak against their city rivals. Jamiya Neal delivered a sensational AdmiralBet ABA League debut with 27 points, while Brandon Rush added 26 and Nikola Gašić contributed 13 points and 13 rebounds.
The head-to-head record clearly favors FMP, who have won 16 of their previous 20 ABA League meetings against Krka. However, the Novo mesto side will have positive memories of their most recent encounter, when they defeated FMP 81:71 in Novo mesto in January 2026. Can Krka repeat that performance and celebrate their first victory of the season, or will FMP continue their impressive start with another important win?
Match-up in Focus: Naje Smith against Nikola Gašić!
Two players who delivered outstanding performances in Round 2 will be looking to dominate the battle under the baskets on Sunday evening. Smith was one of Krka's standout performers against Budućnost VOLI, finishing with 15 points, 10 rebounds and a PIR of 31, demonstrating his ability to make an impact on both ends of the court.
On the other side, Gašić played a crucial role in FMP's sensational victory over Crvena zvezda Meridianbet, recording 13 points, 13 rebounds and a PIR of 30. Their battle in the paint could prove decisive, particularly when it comes to rebounding and controlling second-chance opportunities.
Head-to-head score in ABA: In total 4:16; In Novo mesto 3:7.
