Cibona's double success in the Croatian championship finals

The Croatian Championship Finals were held from May 22 to 25 at the Cedevita Basketball Center. The U17 team, led by head coach Roko Anzulović, crowned themselves champions, while the U19 team, under coach Luka Kralj, won the bronze medal.

Cibona U17 Team Crowned Croatian Champions

The semifinal game against Bosco was marked by complete dominance from the young Wolves, who built a double-digit lead already in the first quarter and sealed the game midway through the third. Dorotić and Garac led the offense, while Dujaković and Šimundža dominated on both ends of the court. The team played collectively, with determination and efficiency, resulting in a convincing 91–70 victory.

The final against Zadar was far more uncertain. The opponent started better and held the lead for most of the first half, but Cibona managed to turn things around and went into halftime ahead 30–29. In the third quarter, they took control and, with strong defense, created a decisive advantage which they calmly maintained until the end. The game ended with a 74–66 win for Cibona. Among the most deserving for the title were Zvonimir Dujaković, Ante Garac, Patrik Dorotić, and Lovro Šimundža, who delivered outstanding performances in crucial moments.

Cibona U19 Team Wins Bronze

The U19 team was defeated in the semifinal of the Croatian Championship by Zadar, 98–95. In a game full of momentum swings, the key moments came in the final stretch, where Zadar showed greater composure.

Cibona started better and led 28–23 after the first quarter, but Zadar responded in the second, and the teams went into halftime with a narrow advantage for Zagreb’s side (52–50). In the second half, the lead kept changing hands, with neither team managing to create a significant gap.

Zadar was led by Bičić, Kos, and Torbarina, while Cibona’s top scorers were Josip Pavković with 26 points and Borna Katanović with 18. Luka Petranović and Bruno Bubalo also made important contributions. However, several missed free throws and shaky defense in the closing moments cost Cibona a place in the final.

In the third-place game, Split was defeated 91–59, securing a well-deserved bronze medal.

The Wolves imposed their rhythm from the very start. The first quarter ended with a +9 advantage, and by halftime, they led 40–28. In the third quarter, they further increased the lead and put the game beyond doubt.

Pavković, Katanović, and Petranović led the offense, while Bubalo, Dujaković, and Jakić brought toughness in defense and rebounding.