Krka score their first win of the season as they down Igokea m:tel in Novo mesto
Krka pulled off a major 4th quarter comeback to beat Igokea m:tel and grab their first win in the 2026/27 AdmiralBet ABA League campaign.
(Photo: Krka/Drago Perko/kosarka.si)
2026/27 AdmiralBet ABA League Regular Season Group A, Round 7, Saturday, 7 November 2026:
KRKA – Igokea m:tel 73:67 (21:16, 11:23, 22:18, 19:10)
Game Recap: Krka have opened their winning account in the 2026/27 AdmiralBet ABA League season, defeating Igokea m:tel 73:67 in a dramatic encounter in Novo mesto. The home side showed tremendous character to overcome a halftime deficit and secure a much-needed victory, with Blaž Mahkovic leading the way offensively and Diante Baldwin and Đorđe Božić delivering the decisive baskets in the closing moments.
The hosts made a promising start, taking a 21:16 lead after the opening quarter. However, Igokea m:tel responded strongly in the second period, outscoring Krka 23:11 to turn the game around and establish a 39:32 halftime advantage.
Despite finding themselves behind at the break, Krka refused to surrender. The Novo mesto side gradually worked its way back into contention during the second half, setting up a thrilling finish in which the home team's determination and composure ultimately made the difference.
Key Moments: The decisive moments came in the final 90 seconds, when Krka produced two big shots to seal the victory. First, Diante Baldwin knocked down a remarkable long-range two-pointer just before the shot clock expired, extending the hosts' advantage to 70:65.
Igokea m:tel managed to respond and reduce the deficit to three points, but Đorđe Božić had the final say. The Krka player buried a clutch three-pointer to make it 73:67, putting the game beyond the visitors' reach and sending the home crowd into celebration.
Man of the Match: Blaž Mahkovic was the driving force behind Krka's first victory of the season. The experienced forward delivered an outstanding offensive performance, finishing with a game-high 26 points and carrying much of the scoring responsibility for the home team.
Can't Trick the Stats: Krka's defensive effort played a major role in the victory, as they limited Igokea m:tel to just 67 points, well below the visitors' season average of 86 points entering the game.
Stats
Players on court
| KRK | Min | PtsP | RebsR | AssA | StS | FoulF | ValV | |
| 5 | Baldwin D. | 26:34 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| 9 | Božić Đ. | 28:19 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 10 |
| 10 | Oman U. | 24:21 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | -1 |
| 21 | Mahkovic B. | 26:35 | 26 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 27 |
| 30 | Smith G. | 23:32 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 13 |
| IGO | Min | PtsP | RebsR | AssA | StS | FoulF | ValV | |
| 1 | Stefanović L. | 33:03 | 12 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 17 |
| 8 | Lazić A. | 12:18 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -8 |
| 9 | Delalić H. | 27:09 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| 13 | Penn R. | 31:38 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 12 |
| 15 | Topolović Đ. | 17:10 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 7 |
Last 5 actions
| Min | Score | Action |
| game finished | ||
| end of 4. quarter | ||
| 00:09 (Q4) | 21 MAHKOVIC B. rebound (defensive) | |
| 00:12 (Q4) | 9 DELALIĆ H. missed 2 points (jump shot) | |
| 00:15 (Q4) | 15 TOPOLOVIĆ Đ. rebound (defensive) | |
| 00:18 (Q4) | 21 MAHKOVIC B. missed 3 points (jump shot) |
|
Top players
| VALUE (INDEX) | ||||
| Mahkovic B. | 27 | - | 17 | Stefanović L. |
| POINTS | ||||
| Mahkovic B. | 26 | - | 13 | Kovačević P. |
| REBOUNDS | ||||
| Božić Đ. | 8 | - | 7 | Kovačević P. |
| ASSISTS | ||||
| Baldwin D. | 4 | - | 4 | Penn R. |
