Will Cibona secure a place in the playoff final or Split can force a deciding game?

After an extremely tense first game at Dražen Petrović hall, where the winner was decided by just five points, it is clear that another fierce battle lasting until the very final moments awaits us.

Playing in front of their home crowd at Gripe, Split will try to use the energy of their fans to force a deciding game, while Cibona arrives determined to confirm the advantage from the opening clash with another solid and disciplined performance.

Cibona now has the opportunity to secure a place in the finals, and a victory would send them into the championship series where they could face either Dubrovnik or favorites Zadar.

On the other hand, if Cibona loses, the decision on the finalist would come in a decisive third game that would be played on Cibona’s home court in front of their own fans, giving them another opportunity to reach the final stage of the competition.

Ivan Rudež, Cibona head coach: “We are facing the second semifinal game and we are aware of how much these kinds of games demand maximum concentration from the first to the final minute. The key will be to open the game strongly and with discipline, while maintaining good rebounding control and imposing our rhythm of play. We want to make smart offensive decisions, have good shot selection, and stay calm and confident in finishing plays. I believe that with energy, focus, and unity we can respond to all the challenges that await us”.

Vigo Bart, Cibona player: “We are facing the second semifinal game. We are playing away in Split, and in the first game we were the better team and managed to take the win. Today will certainly be more difficult because we are playing at Gripe, and they will definitely give everything they have and prepare tactically as best as possible. We need to come in strong as always, follow the principles we agreed upon, try to win, and secure our place in the finals”.

The game will be broadcast live on MAXSport television.

Karla Mikulić Jelić and Dora Škrinjarić for BC Cibona