Overtime thriller: Felix Zasavje edges ŽKK Radost Čakovec 70–68 in LWB U15 opener

The opening round of the LWB U15 season produced a knockout-style finish as Felix Zasavje - FEL survived a stirring fightback from ŽKK Radost Čakovec - RAD, taking the victory 70–68 after overtime. Both teams traded leads across four quarters before extra time settled a razor-close contest at VI. OŠ Varaždín.

The match narrative was one of contrasting strengths: a dominant interior and free-throw performance from Podobnik Saša and a relentless second-half push led by Zagorc Anaja and Mirnik Lara. Podobnik Saša finished with a game-high 32 points, converting 15 of 21 free throws and hauling in 18 rebounds — numbers that kept her side within striking distance until the final seconds.

Zagorc Anaja was the foil for the winners, contributing 20 points and 13 rebounds while showing up at timely moments in the middle quarters. Mirnik Lara added 19 points and 10 rebounds, including the decisive basket with 30 seconds remaining in overtime that proved to be the game-winner. Their combined activity in the third quarter — a 23-point period for FEL — turned a tight game into a short-lived advantage that RAD had to chase.

For RAD, efficient contributions came from multiple sources. Kovačić Lena posted 12 points and an impressive 16 rebounds, and Marta Zver supplied crucial late free throws and a go-ahead two in the closing stages of regulation that helped force extra time. Defense and composure at the line allowed RAD to erase a deficit and send the game beyond regulation.

The flow of the game was dramatic. After four quarters both sides were locked at 58–58. In the overtime period FEL outscored RAD 12–10, a margin built on key possessions from Mirnik Lara and interior boards from Zagorc Anaja. Earlier, RAD had enjoyed hot moments from beyond the arc and prolific trips to the line that kept the scoreboard ticking — particularly from Podobnik Saša, whose late free throws brought the score level in the dying minute of regulation.

Individual stat lines underline the contest’s intensity: Podobnik Saša (32 pts, 18 rebs), Zagorc Anaja (20 pts, 13 rebs), and Mirnik Lara (19 pts, 10 rebs) all logged double-figure scoring and double-digit boards. Other notable performances included Glavina Kim and Perčić Dora for RAD and timely triples from Vodušek Iva and Uštar Kim that punctuated the second and fourth quarters for FEL.

This game was a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift at youth level: tactical adjustments, rebounding battles and free-throw execution decided a match that featured lead changes, runs and a tense overtime finish. For FEL it was a gutsy start to the campaign; for RAD it was a performance full of positives and near-misses that will sting but also instruct.

This post was generated by AI.