Ilirija delivered a controlled 78-62 home victory over Tajfun in Liga Nova KBM action on Thursday, using a decisive third-quarter burst and a balanced offensive effort to pull away for a comfortable win.

The result gave Ilirija a strong early foothold in the Liga Nova KBM standings and underlined the value of their defensive discipline. Tajfun stayed within striking distance for much of the first half, but the home side’s depth, rebounding and sharper execution after the break turned a competitive game into a clear result.

Match overview

Ilirija led 20-16 after the first quarter and extended the advantage to 38-31 by halftime. The game changed early in the third period, when the hosts raised their intensity at both ends and opened a run that put real distance between the teams. Tajfun never fully recovered, and Ilirija closed out the final quarter with the margin intact.

• First quarter: Ilirija 20-16 Tajfun
• Second quarter: Ilirija 18-15 Tajfun
• Third quarter: Ilirija 22-14 Tajfun
• Fourth quarter: Ilirija 18-17 Tajfun
• Final score: Ilirija 78-62 Tajfun

Key moments

The decisive stretch came early in the third quarter. Leading 38-31, Ilirija opened with a 12-2 run that pushed the advantage to 50-33 and forced Tajfun into a hurried approach on offense. Tajfun briefly steadied itself with a small response, but Ilirija answered with timely perimeter shooting and second-chance points. Every time the visitors threatened to build momentum, the home side found a defensive stop or a composed possession to protect the lead.

Tactical story

Ilirija’s switching defense disrupted Tajfun’s rhythm and limited clean looks from beyond the arc. The hosts also controlled the defensive glass, preventing Tajfun from generating the kind of extra possessions needed to mount a comeback. On offense, Ilirija shared the ball well, attacked the paint when the defense overextended, and finished with a more efficient shooting night. Tajfun’s half-court offense became predictable in the second half, and its transition game was largely neutralized.

Standout players

Ilirija guard Luka Vidmar set the tone with 17 points and seven assists, consistently finding the right balance between scoring and playmaking. Center Marko Petric added 14 points and 11 rebounds, giving the hosts a strong interior presence on both ends. Forward Anze Kos contributed 12 points and several important defensive plays in the third-quarter run. For Tajfun, Nik Jovanovic led the scoring with 16 points, while the visitors struggled to find consistent support around him.

Season impact

The win gives Ilirija early momentum in the Liga Nova KBM race and reinforces their credentials as a team capable of winning with defense and depth. For Tajfun, the defeat is a reminder that road games in this league demand greater consistency on offense. Ilirija will look to build on the performance in their next fixture, while Tajfun must regroup quickly and find more balanced scoring before their next outing.