Krka chase first win as in-form Zvezda come to town
Krka face another major challenge in the AdmiralBet ABA League as they welcome Crvena zvezda Meridianbet to Novo mesto on Sunday afternoon.
(Photo: Krka/Drago Perko/kosarka.si)
2026/27 AdmiralBet ABA League Regular Season Group A, Round 4, Sunday, 18 October 2026:
KRKA – CRVENA ZVEZDA MERIDIANBET
Where? Leon Štukelj Sports Hall, Novo mesto
When? 16:00
Story of the Game: Krka face another major challenge in the AdmiralBet ABA League as they welcome Crvena zvezda Meridianbet to Novo mesto on Sunday afternoon. The hosts are still searching for their first victory of the season, while the Belgrade powerhouse will be looking to build on their impressive recent performances and improve their record in Group A.
Krka have opened the new campaign with two consecutive defeats, but their performances have offered some reasons for optimism. After pushing Budućnost VOLI all the way in a narrow 72:77 defeat, the Novo mesto side suffered another home loss last weekend, falling 68:79 against FMP. Now, facing another strong Belgrade team, Krka will need to raise their level if they want to produce one of the biggest surprises of the round.
Meanwhile, Crvena zvezda Meridianbet seem to be finding their rhythm after a disappointing start to the regional season. Following a surprising 89:90 defeat against FMP, the red-and-whites responded in style by defeating Budućnost VOLI 101:91 in last week’s Match of the Round. The Belgrade squad also enter this encounter encouraged by their latest results in Europe, having defeated Paris 90:81 on Friday evening, which was their 4th consecutive victory in EuroLeague.
The history of this rivalry heavily favors the visitors, as Crvena zvezda Meridianbet have won 26 of their previous 32 ABA League meetings against Krka, including 12 of 16 games played in Novo mesto.
Match-up in Focus: Galin Smith vs. Chima Moneke.
Galin Smith has been one of Krka's key contributors in the opening rounds, and his 19-point performance against FMP demonstrated how important he can be for the Novo mesto side.
On the other side, Chima Moneke arrives in excellent form after scoring 23 points in Crvena zvezda Meridianbet's EuroLeague victory over Paris. His athleticism, rebounding ability and energy on both ends of the court make him one of the visitors' most dangerous players.
Head-to-head score in ABA: In total 6:26; In Novo mesto 4:12.
