Markovic and Mandalinic combine for 17 as Zagreb down Gorenje

Gorenje Velenje - PPD Zagreb

From the very first whistle match proved its Derby of the round title. It was on both sides of the court visible that the encounter in Rdeca dvorana might end up being crucial for both PPD Zagreb and Gorenje Velenje in their mission to secure a place on League's Final Four tournament. It was a real battle of defenses with back shooters being key attacking options for both sides - Zarko Markovic scored 9 for Zagreb, Stipe Mandalinic added 8 while on the other side Nejc Cehte finished the match with 5. 'Black&Yellow' captain also delivered a quality defensive role while scoring some important goals on the other side of the court finishing the match with 6. Goalkeepers were as well in good mood on both sides - Ferlin and Zaponsek stopped 11 shots combined while on the other side Slovenians Skok and Kastelic saved 5 shots each.

Zagreb opened the match better having 1-goal lead throughout the opening part of the first half. However, Zeljko Babic managed to make things work for his team a bit more than 10 minutes before the break and after the half-time whistle scoreboard was saying 14:12 for hosts.

'Lions' were however better in second half than they were in first. Mandalinic and Markovic were simply tormenting Gorenje's goalies and were in the end with amazing 17 goals combined the main reason why guests managed to turn the match over taking 21:22 lead in 54th minute. Incredible Mandalinic however refused to stop there scoring 4 of final 5 goals for his team securing them a big and important 25:23 win against Gorenje.