Cibona forces a decisive Game 5 in Zadar

Cibona head coach Ivan Rudež started the game with Palokaj, Lončar, Skorić, Šiško, and Roberson. On the other side, Zadar head coach Danijel Jusup sent out Mihailović, Tišma, Žganec, Mazalin, and Ramljak.

Before tip-off, a tribute was held to mark the 33rd anniversary of the untimely passing of Dražen Petrović, one of the greatest basketball players of all time. A moment of silence was observed in his honor. The occasion was made even more special by the presence of Dražen’s mother, Biserka, and members of his family, who, together with generations of fans and athletes, continue to preserve the memory of an irreplaceable Croatian basketball and sporting legend.

Cibona opened the game strongly, playing aggressive defense and efficient offense. Through baskets from Roberson, Skorić, Palokaj, and Šiško, the Wolves built an early 12–5 lead. Zadar tried to find its rhythm through Mazalin, Ramljak, and Žganec, but Cibona maintained control and closed the first quarter ahead 19–14.

Zadar managed to cut the deficit in the second quarter, but Cibona responded through Čakarun, Roberson, Serdarušić, Skorić, and Šiško to keep its advantage intact. Kapusta knocked down a three-pointer late in the half, but the home side still went into the break leading 38–35.

The third quarter featured evenly matched and highly competitive basketball. Cibona maintained its lead through contributions from Skorić, Šiško, Roberson, Palokaj, Serdarušić, and Hepa, but Zadar consistently found answers through Ramljak, Tišma, Mazalin, Klarica, and Kapusta. The visitors eventually erased the deficit and even tied the game. Following a free throw by Serdarušić, the score stood level at 56–56 heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter brought an intense battle for every possession and featured just one lead change. Zadar briefly moved in front through Mazalin, but Cibona answered with key baskets from Šiško, Roberson, and Palokaj to secure the victory.

Roberson led Cibona with 17 points, while Šiško added 14. For Zadar, Klarica scored 17 points and Mazalin contributed 15.

Danijel Jusup, Zadar head coach: "First of all, congratulations to Cibona on a well-deserved victory. I think they were the better team from the very beginning. We came into the game looking a bit tight, and it felt like we never really managed to shake that off. We had a few brief stretches where we played better and even managed to take the lead, but Cibona’s energy was much better than ours tonight. They deserved the win and managed to level the series".

Boris Tišma, Zadar player: "I think we definitely lacked energy today. From the opening tip, we were a step behind. We were late reacting to their actions and were not at our best on the boards. I think that was the key issue — we simply lacked energy. The series is now tied 2–2, and we move on. We have the final game at home, and it’s up to us to rest, prepare properly, and go into Game 5 ready for the challenge. I would also like to invite our fans to come out in as large a number as possible, fill the arena, and be our sixth player, just as they have been throughout the entire season".

Ivan Rudež, Cibona head coach: "First and foremost, it was a tremendous effort from our team. I think we absolutely deserved this victory. Our commitment and execution of the things we agreed upon made the difference. Of course, all the credit goes to the players, who delivered a mature performance. We had a few careless turnovers that allowed Zadar back into the game, but overall we can be satisfied with the result. I dedicate this win to our fans. After so many years, there were lines for tickets, lines at the entrance, and a packed arena. That is a huge victory for us in itself. When I assembled this team at the beginning of August, I told them that moments like this were ahead of us. They believed, and most importantly, game after game, the fans believed more and more in us and in this team. They saw a group that works hard, plays hard, and fights for the club. This victory belongs to the fans who filled the arena for our final home game of the season".

After the game, Luka Skorić, who played his final game in front of the home crowd before leaving for the NCAA, shared his thoughts.

"This was a phenomenal game for us, for the city of Zagreb, and for all Cibona fans. We gave everything we had on the court, played with heart, showed how badly we wanted this victory, and earned a fifth game. We accomplished that, of course, with tremendous help from our fans. I want to thank them because we would not have done it without them. Today they were truly our sixth player, and their support carried us throughout the entire game".

Statistics are available HERE.

The fifth and decisive game of the playoff finals will be played on Wednesday, June 10, at Krešimir Ćosić hall in Zadar, with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 P.M. The game will be broadcast live on MAXSport television.