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Cibona advances to FIBA Europe Cup group stage after drama in Slovakia
Cibona basketball players achieved a great goal by returning to the European scene after an eight-year absence. Although they were defeated by Slovakia's Prievidza 101:94 in the second leg of the FIBA Europe Cup qualifiers, the total score from the two games went in favor of the Vukovi, who advanced to the group stage of the competition thanks to a 91:83 victory in Zagreb
The matchup in Slovakia turned into a true basketball drama. Cibona opened the game strongly and, through Roberson, built an eight-point lead (21–13), but the hosts quickly responded with a 14–0 run and completely took control by the end of the first half. Prievidza went into the break with a commanding +19 (63–44), while Cibona looked far from their goal.
In the second half, the Croatian side tightened up defensively, began to cut into the deficit, and gradually restored belief in a comeback. Three minutes before the end of regulation, the scoreboard read 87–70 for the home team, but that’s when Cibona went on an impressive 9–0 run to force an extra five minutes.
Overtime brought a back-and-forth battle, along with crucial plays by Žan Mark Šiško, who hit a key three-pointer 30 seconds before the end to make it 99–92. Serdarušić then calmly converted his free throws, and despite the final loss, Cibona celebrated qualification for the FIBA Europe Cup.
The hero of the night was Šiško, who recorded 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists—just shy of a triple-double. Radovčić and Lončar also reached double figures with 14 points each, while Toussaint led the home side with 21 points and seven assists.
Congratulations to Cibona on reaching the Europe Cup, where they will represent Croatia alongside Cedevita Junior!
The statistics can be found HERE.
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