SuperSport Premier League semi-finals: Cibona takes the lead against Split, Luka Skorić's three-pointer decides

Cibona and Split met for the fifth time this season and already for the third time at Dražen Petrović hall, considering that one of their previous encounters came in the Croatian Cup semifinals. In the earlier four meetings, both teams had recorded two wins each, while this matchup carried extra significance as it marked the opening game of the playoff semifinals. In the quarterfinals, the Cibosi narrowly got past Dubrava, while Split comfortably swept Zabok in two games.

The game opened with a basket by Lončar, followed by two consecutive three-pointers from Drežnjak and another from Kučić. The visitors went on a 9:0 run, which was finally stopped by Hepa and Lončar (6:9). After baskets by Jordano and Sikirić, home coach Ivan Rudež called a timeout. Šiško and Lončar brought Cibona back within four (12:16), but Jordano and Sikirić answered with threes to create Split’s largest lead of the quarter at +9 (12:21). The opening ten minutes ended in favor of Split, 16:26.

The second quarter began with points from Lončar and Radovčić (20:26). The teams traded baskets for much of the period, which continued until 24:30. Following free throws by Palokaj, the back-and-forth scoring carried on to 32:38. Split held a 36:41 advantage at halftime. The standout performers were Krešimir Radovčić with 10 points and Sikirić with 17.

The second half started with baskets from Hepa, Lončar, and Radovčić, giving Cibona a 47:41 lead. Split coach Rajković immediately called a timeout because of Cibona’s 15:0 run, with the visitors having not scored since Sikirić’s basket for 32:41. However, Marinelli stopped the run with a three-pointer (47:44). Jan Palokaj kept Cibona in front, while Drežnjak and Marinelli kept Split within reach (54:48). Cibona entered the final quarter with a 58:52 lead.

The last quarter opened with baskets from Marinelli, Roberson, Radovčić, and Wiggins (63:56). Marinelli and Jordano gave Split hope, while Roberson and Kamaka Hepa responded for Cibona (66:65). Radovčić and Marinelli continued to carry their respective teams offensively, while Drežnjak, Wiggins, and Jordano shifted the momentum toward Split (73:75). The game entered the final minute tied at 79:79 after three-pointers from Skorić and Drežnjak, but Hepa and Palokaj ultimately secured the victory for Cibona, 84:79.

Cibona thus took a 1:0 lead in the best-of-three series and already has an opportunity to clinch a place in the finals in Game 2.

Radovčić and Marinelli finished as the leading scorers for their respective teams.

Ivan Rudež, Cibona head coach: “It was a very difficult game for us in terms of preparation. Šiško was out with a fever. He tried, but it just wasn’t possible. The others stepped up for him today. I think we were unfocused at times in the first half, especially when we allowed them second-chance points after offensive rebounds. We showed character and did a good job, but this is still not enough. We defended our home court and everyone played except Burek. Every player contributed to the victory, but nothing is finished yet. There is absolutely no reason for euphoria — we need to stay focused and continue working”.

Krešimir Radovčić, Cibona player and captain: “We won and really did a good job. I’m sorry about the poor first half, but we made up for it in the second. Our defense was really good and at a high level. I also have to praise Šiško, who was on an IV and it was uncertain whether he would play. He gritted his teeth and tried, but it just wasn’t working”.

Statistics are available HERE.