Cibona Clinches Croatian Championship Title in Dramatic Road Victory Over Zadar

In a dramatic conclusion to the Croatian basketball league season, KK Cibona clinched the championship title by defeating rivals KK Zadar in a nail-biting fifth game. The victory, secured on Zadar's home court, was particularly sweet for Cibona, as they overcame a hostile crowd of approximately 10,000 opposing fans.

Cibona's coach, Ivan Rudež, expressed immense pride in his team's journey. He recalled having a feeling back in October that the team could achieve great things. Rudež emphasized that the championship was built on modest beginnings, hard work, team unity, smart player selection, and strong character, culminating in a hard-fought title.

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It's a better feeling to silence the rival's audience and win the title on their court than on our own. Because, 10,000 people were against us, and we celebrated.

Captain Krešimir Radovčić echoed the sentiment, describing the win as the realization of a dream. He relished the feeling of silencing the rival crowd, stating, "It's a better feeling to silence the rival's audience and win the title on their court than on our own." Radovčić acknowledged the intense atmosphere but also expressed respect for Zadar and its fans.

Sports director Marin Rozić also shared his elation, calling it perhaps the most beautiful dream he could have imagined. He highlighted the team's gradual progress, including a successful European campaign, and noted that few believed they would reach this point. The victory in the decisive fifth game in Zadar made it a particularly memorable achievement for the club.

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We started modestly, we assembled the team late. We went step by step, with a step into Europe, which was a nice episode, different after many years for this club. Few believed, and it ended like a dream, and with a victory in the fifth game in Zadar, so I can say this is perhaps the dearest victory of my career.