Cibona crushes Dijon and records second win in FIBA ​​Europe Cup

Cibona delivered a strong opening quarter in which Kamaka Hepa knocked down two three-pointers, and with contributions from Borna Katanović and Krešimir Radovčić, Ivan Rudež’s team held a +9 lead (24–15) at the end of the first ten minutes. The visitors showed their quality at the start of the second quarter, quickly going on a 10–0 run and maintaining the lead until halftime (44–40).

Cibona opened the third quarter brilliantly, going on a 13–2 run to take a 53–46 lead. However, the Wolves failed to capitalize further despite having three possessions to extend the advantage, and the experienced visitors responded with a 9–0 run. Radovčić ended Cibona’s scoring drought with a three-pointer, but Dijon entered the final quarter ahead 62–59.

A low-scoring fourth quarter led to a tense finish. After a dunk by Justin Roberson, the Wolves entered the final three minutes trailing by just one point (67–66). Radovčić then hit two three-pointers in the span of about thirty seconds, sparking an eruption of excitement in a well-filled Dražen Petrović Hall and giving Cibona a 72–70 lead going into the final minute. Axel Julien responded with a three-pointer, but Hepa restored Cibona’s lead from the free-throw line. Dijon failed to convert on their next possession, and Hepa added two more free throws to seal what proved to be the final score. The French side had the last shot, but their two three-point attempts missed the mark.

Hepa and Roberson each scored 19 points, while Radovčić added 14. The visitors were led by Julien and Barnett with 14 points apiece.

The statistics can be viewed HERE.