SuperSport Premier League: Historic victory for Dubrava, Lions beat Cibona

Josip Sesar’s team led for almost the entire game and midway through the third quarter, after a three-pointer by Domagoj Vuković, held a 16-point advantage (53:37). Cibona responded with a 10:0 run, which was eventually stopped by Jure Škifić. Aside from an early 8:7 lead, Ivan Rudež’s side only regained the advantage after a three-pointer by Kamaka Hepa entering the final minute of the game.

It was Hepa himself who opened the door for a Cibona victory with seven consecutive points, but the visitors ultimately fell short. Škifić remained calm from the free-throw line, while Cibona failed to capitalize on their final possession, allowing Wright to delight the home fans with a dunk.

In the absence of the injured Lovro Gnjidić, Stellan Rajaofera took responsibility in the closing stages, finishing with 16 points and 5 assists. Wright was the standout performer of the game with 26 points, while Škifić added 17.

For Cibona, who played without Roberson, the leading contributors were Jan Palokaj with 16 points and Kamaka Hepa with 14.

Ivan Rudež, Cibona head coach: “Our problem was the way we entered the game, where we allowed some very important rebounds, their three-point shooting, and our one-on-one defense, which against Rajaofera was truly disastrous. Congratulations to Dubrava on the win, but we simply were not capable of defending one-on-one situations on the perimeter, and that was the biggest issue”.

Statistics can be viewed HERE.