SLO/CRO – Slovenia split two friendlies with Croatia

KRANJSKA GORA (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament) – Captain Rasho Nesterovic took out his frustration over the injury problems in Slovenia’s national team by scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a 73-70 triumph over Croatia in the second of two friendlies between the two sides.

The veteran center, who is playing for Slovenia for the last time this summer, played more than 32 minutes and was 10 of 16 from the floor on Saturday although he struggled with a one of six shooting night at the charity stripe.

Ales Pipan’s team went into the final quarter trailing but outscored Croatia 19-11 and edged the win.

Damir Markota had 11 points to lead a balanced Croatia offensive attack.

Croatia had won the first friendly between the sides on Friday, 70-66 with Davor Kus pouring in 13 points.

Slovenia would have done better if they’d made more free throws but finished 19 of 28 (67.9%) compared to 10 of 14 (71.4%) for Croatia.

The Slovenians played the games after a very tough week in which starting power forward Matjaz Smodis was ruled out for the summer with a foot problem and Gasper Vidmar was lost to a broken hand.

Pipan attempted to get Erazem Lorbek to change his mind and play but the big man held firm on his decision to rest his sore back.

Slovenia are in Group C of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament with Canada and Korea, while Croatia are in Group D with Cameroon and Puerto Rico.

FIBA