Zadar Reaches Croatian Basketball Finals; Cibona and Split to Play Decisive Game 3

Basketball club Zadar has advanced to the finals of the SuperSport Premier League playoffs, securing their chance to win a fourth consecutive Croatian championship. The team achieved this by defeating Dubrovnik 81-68 in their second playoff semi-final game, held in Gospino polje.

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We knew this would be a physically demanding game and small things made the difference, including free throws in the last quarter. We hope we can succeed in the third game; concentration will be key.

Zadar will now have several days to rest and await their opponent in the final series. The second finalist will emerge from a decisive Game 3 between Cibona and Split, scheduled to be played in Zagreb. Split managed to level the series at 1-1 by winning the second game against Cibona with a score of 83-78 on their home court at Gripa.

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I can't say anything negative about my players; their desire was evident, as shown by the 15 offensive rebounds. Marinelli and Cosey hit difficult two-pointers, and we missed 11 free throws, which cost us dearly.

In Split's victory, six of their players reached double-digit scoring: Jordano (14 points), Marinelli (13), Drežnjak (12), Anticevich (11), Dragić (11), and Cosey (10). Cibona had only three players in double figures: Roberson (16), Radovčić (14), and Skorić (12). Cibona's young player Luka Skorić acknowledged the game's physical demands and noted that free throws in the final quarter were crucial. He expressed hope for better concentration in the upcoming deciding game.

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We stayed calm and finished the game. We stuck together and went for it, and if we do that on Thursday, we have good prospects of reaching the final. Cibona will surely be more aggressive at home, but we must respond.

Split's coach, Miodrag Rajković, praised his team's effort, highlighting their 15 offensive rebounds and Marinelli and Cosey's clutch shots. He lamented the 11 missed free throws, which he felt cost them dearly. Rajković looks forward to the "do or die" Game 3, calling it the essence of playoff basketball. He also noted the need for increased contribution from player Čakarun, who is returning after a five-to-six-week absence.

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Ten times the lead changed, eight times it was tied, but we were leading for 30 minutes. From the start, it looked like we could win. With Čakarun's injury, they developed that 'small ball' option with Hepa at center scoring threes, so we must be careful. I am proud that we have an answer with our small lineup where we use Anticevich at center. I am also pleased that we have six players in double figures, that we are broadening the rotation and involving the bench. We are decimated, but we stayed united, we closed ranks.