Legia Warszawa beat Cibona in Zagreb

Cibona lost to Legia Warszawa 77-95 in front of around 500 spectators at the Dražen Petrović Basketball Centre, in Round 2 of Group B of the Basketball Champions League. After two rounds played, the Wolves’ record stands at 1-1.

Legia controlled most of the first quarter and at one point led by double digits, but Cibona fought back and closed the period four points behind. McGill stood out with 6 points for the hosts, while Goloman (9) and Daniels (7) led the visitors.

The second quarter was largely even, and the teams went into the break with Legia ahead 47-42. By then, McGill and Daniels had 11 points each.

In the third quarter Legia built a decisive advantage and entered the final ten minutes leading 66-54. Up to that point, Mazalin (14) and McGill (11) had scored the most for Cibona, while Zoriks (15) and Daniels (14) led the visitors.

In the fourth quarter Legia calmly saw the game out. McGill was Cibona’s best performer with 18 points, while Daniels and Zoriks combined for 21 baskets for the visitors.

After two rounds in Group B, Cibona, Strasbourg, Galatasaray and Legia share the same 1-1 record and three points each. The Wolves play their next Champions League game on 3 November, away to Strasbourg.

Legia head coach Heiko Rannula said after the game:

“We managed to respond in the third quarter. Cibona are a good team, and at some moments we had the chance to pull away, but they stayed in the game. We had enough luck to win, and the team played together, both defensively and physically.”

Legia player Augustus Daniels added:

“I think we played physically and as a team. We enjoyed the moment, and the intensity of the game did the rest.”

Cibona head coach Ivan Rudež said:

“Congratulations to Legia, who beat us thanks to the performances of [Daniels] and Goloman. We couldn’t keep up with them, but after two rounds we’re 1-1 in the Champions League. We need to analyse the game and get ourselves in order for what comes next. We’re turning our attention to the upcoming games.”

Cibona player Lovro Gnjidić said:

“We were good, but Legia had a bit more luck and wanted the win more. We’re looking ahead to the next games.”

The Wolves return to the Dražen Petrović Basketball Centre this Friday, 23 October, to host Krka in the AdmiralBet ABA League at 20:30. Tickets are available on the club’s official website.