Cibona had gone into the game rested after defeating Gorica 2:0 in the semi-finals last Monday, while Zadar had to go all the way to beat KK Split in the third game Friday night.
The first half was a close game between the routine team of Zadar and the young team of Cibona containing plenty of talent. Okorn Gašper’s home team went into half-time with a slight lead (43:42).
During the third quarter guest coach Srđan Helbich’s team was able to increase the intensity and take the first decisive lead (53:58).
Cibona was able to come back and tie the game at 64:64 with just under 4 minutes to play, but a 10:0 run with points by Drežnjak and Thompson decided the game at 64:74 and 95 seconds on the clock.
Zagreb’s Branković was the game’s top scorer with 16 points, Thompson 15, Carter 13, and Drežnjak 12 had double digits for Zadar.
On Wednesday Cibona will now need to win the second home game in order to maintain a proper shot at the title before Zadar will have two home games to possibly finish the series early.
Points by quarter: 20:24, 23:18, 10:16, 17:19
Referees: Kardum Luka, Hadžić Denis, Jurčević Josip
Box score: https://fibalivestats.dcd.shared.geniussports.com/u/HKS/2097374/bs.html
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