Ilirija Ljubljana — KK Krka Novo Mesto: 82:83, Liga Nova KBM

Ilirija Ljubljana secured a 81-78 victory over KK Krka Novo Mesto in the Liga Nova KBM on Wednesday evening. The hosts climbed to within three points of the top spot, while the visitors' unbeaten run finally ended after 26 consecutive wins. We had tipped the road side for this one, but the match went another way.

The difference came on the glass. Ilirija pulled down 17 offensive rebounds against just eight for Krka, giving themselves a steady stream of second chances. The visitors managed 20 assists to the hosts' 15, but their extra possessions never translated into a wider margin.

Krka shot better from the field at 48 per cent to 46, yet their three-point work was ragged. They hit 9 of 28 attempts, while the hosts connected on 8 of 18. The free-throw line told a different story. Krka converted 12 of 16 attempts, but the hosts also made 12 of 24 — and made up the difference with extra shots from the offensive end.

By then the momentum had shifted. Ilirija's turnovers were slightly higher at 11 to 10, but their ability to keep the ball alive on the offensive glass kept Krka chasing. The visitors led 8-6 in steals and 4-2 in blocks, yet could not stop the hosts from generating scoring opportunities.

The result leaves Krka one game back from Ilirija, who now sit second with 21 wins from 27 outings. The visitors remain top of the table with 26 victories and only a single defeat, but the gap has narrowed. The hosts had lost their last meeting in May 74-97, and this time they made up for it.