LJUBLJANA (Interstat) — Jezica will look to build on a season-opening victory when it hosts Maribor in a women’s professional basketball game Saturday. The matchup pits a 1-0 Jezica side against a Maribor team still searching for its first victory.

Jezica enters with a 1-0 record after a 77-55 win at Domel Skofja Loka in its most recent game. Julija Pokleka, a player to watch for Jezica, scored 22 points and added three rebounds and one block in 28 minutes. Katja Kotnik had seven points and 12 rebounds in 31 minutes, while Manca Marolt contributed 16 points and five rebounds in 22 minutes. The trio gave Jezica a balanced effort behind Pokleka’s scoring.

Maribor is 0-1 after a 47-42 loss to Triglav in its last outing. Lana Iseinoski, a player to watch for Maribor, finished with seven points, four rebounds and five assists in 24 minutes. Veronika Ferjancic added nine points and seven rebounds in 30 minutes, and Tiana Steharnik had two points, one assist and one block in 16 minutes. Maribor will seek more offensive production after being held to 42 points.

Jezica will try to carry its early offensive form into the home matchup. The team reached 77 points in its opener and received production from multiple spots. Pokleka led the scoring, Kotnik controlled the boards, and Marolt provided another scoring threat. Jezica will aim to pressure Maribor early and dictate tempo on its home court. Jezica’s home opener offers the team a chance to start 2-0. Its depth and home-court advantage could be important in the matchup.

Maribor will seek its first win and more scoring after a difficult opener. Iseinoski will be counted on to create opportunities, as she led the team in assists against Triglav. Ferjancic gives Maribor a presence on the glass, and Steharnik can contribute in the rotation. The visiting team will need a stronger offensive performance to keep pace with Jezica. Maribor also will look to limit Jezica’s transition chances and force a slower half-court game. Maribor will need to improve its shooting and ball movement to stay within striking distance.

The game marks the first meeting between the teams this season. Jezica also is scheduled to face Triglav, Ilirija, ZKK Cinkarna Celje and Domel Skofja Loka in upcoming play. Maribor’s upcoming schedule includes ZKK Cinkarna Celje, Domel Skofja Loka, Ilirija and Triglav. The teams are set to meet again later in the season, with more matchups scheduled. Both teams will continue their regular-season schedules after this game.

Interstat’s game simulator projects Jezica to defeat Maribor 79-46.