Cibona forces Game 5 in Croatian finals with victory over Zadar

Basketball club Cibona has leveled the Croatian league finals series against Zadar at 2-2, securing a crucial 73-67 victory in the fourth game played on their home court at KC Dražen Petrović. This win sets the stage for a dramatic, winner-take-all fifth game.

Cibona established an early lead in the fourth game and maintained control throughout, despite persistent challenges from Zadar. The score was tight, ending the third quarter at 56-56, and Zadar even took a brief lead early in the final quarter. However, Cibona's Justin Roberson scored four consecutive points to give his team a 69-61 advantage with two and a half minutes remaining, effectively sealing the win.

The decisive fifth game is scheduled for Wednesday in Zadar. The home team will be aiming to secure their seventh championship title and their fourth in a row. Cibona, meanwhile, will be fighting for their 21st Croatian championship title.

Key performers for Cibona included Justin Roberson with 17 points, Žan Mark Šiško with 14 points and five assists, and Jan Palokaj and Luka Skorić, who each added 12 points. For Zadar, Krševan Klarić led the scoring with 17 points, and Lovro Mazalin contributed 15 points. Vladimir Mihailović had a subdued performance, scoring only five points on 1-of-10 shooting.