Ilirija takes the lead in the qualifying series

Cibona’s head coach Josip Sesar opted for the following starting lineup: Vuković, Ročak, Radovčić, Perasović, and Majcunić. Ilirija’s coach Stipe Modrić started with Golson, Tomažič, Mikuš, Jockuch, and Kureš.

In the first quarter, Cibona struggled to find its rhythm. Ročak scored the first point of the game, but Mikuš immediately responded with a three-pointer. In the opening two minutes, Cibona looked poor—lacking ideas on offense, committing several turnovers, and showing weak ball movement. Coach Sesar was forced to call a timeout early at 2:10. However, there was no significant improvement afterward. Ilirija continued to play solid, organized basketball, while Cibona kept searching for its rhythm. The score quickly stretched to 3:17. Only toward the end of the quarter did the home side show a few promising moments on both ends of the floor, but Ilirija went into the break with a commanding 18:32 lead.

In the second quarter, Cibona gradually worked its way back into the game. Their play became more fluid, and their offensive rhythm improved. A scoring run brought them within just five points (34:39), energizing both the bench and the crowd. During this stretch, coach Modrić received a technical foul. Despite the improved performance, Cibona was unable to fully close the gap, and the teams went into halftime with Ilirija leading 47:54.

In the third quarter, the Wolves continued their solid play and once again cut the deficit to five points. However, on several occasions, they failed to capitalize on chances to reduce the gap further. Majcunić hit an important three-pointer for 62:65, bringing Cibona within three points for the first time in the game. Shortly after, captain Radovčić nailed a three to tie the game at 71:71, bringing the crowd to its feet. Still, Ilirija scored in the final possession of the quarter to maintain a slim lead (71:73).

In the decisive final quarter, Cibona had several chances to take control but failed to capitalize. Bundović picked up a technical foul at a crucial moment. After Aranitović cut the deficit to just one point, the home defense held firm, and Perasović hit a three-pointer to give Cibona its first lead of the game (85:83). However, the advantage was short-lived. Ilirija quickly regained the lead, capitalized on Cibona’s offensive mistakes, and stayed composed in the closing moments. Cibona could not find answers in the final minutes, and Ilirija secured the win with a final score of 88:93.

The standout performer for Cibona was Radovčić with 17 points and 8 assists. Aranitović added 12 points, while Ročak contributed 11 points and 5 rebounds. For Ilirija, the most efficient player was Tomažič with 24 points. Kureš recorded 20 points and 7 assists, while Jockuch added 17 points along with 9 rebounds.

The second qualifying game will be played on June 4 in Ljubljana. Cibona will have the chance to level the series at 1–1 and force a decisive game.