The ABA League delivered a thriller as KK Cedevita Olimpija edged past Crvena Zvezda Belgrade 92–86 on May 13, 2026, in a high-intensity clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. The home side’s balanced attack and disciplined defense proved decisive against one of the league’s most decorated teams.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, Cedevita Olimpija set the tempo, using crisp ball movement and aggressive drives to build an early lead. Crvena Zvezda, known for its physical style and deep roster, fought back repeatedly, but the hosts maintained control by answering every run with timely three-pointers and strong interior play. The 92–86 final scoreline reflected a game where neither side gave an inch, but the Ljubljana-based club held firm down the stretch.

Key Moments

• First quarter surge: Cedevita Olimpija opened with a 10–2 run, forcing Zvezda to play catch-up for the rest of the half. The home team shot 58% from the field in the first period.
• Second quarter response: Crvena Zvezda trimmed the deficit to three points at halftime, sparked by aggressive offensive rebounds and second-chance points. The Belgrade side outscored the hosts 24–18 in the quarter.
• Third quarter turning point: Cedevita Olimpija pushed the lead back to double digits midway through the third, capitalizing on three consecutive turnovers by Zvezda. A 9–0 run gave the hosts a 70–58 advantage.
• Final stretch drama: Zvezda cut the lead to 86–83 with under two minutes remaining, but Cedevita Olimpija’s guard hit a clutch step-back three-pointer, and two free throws sealed the win.

Tactical Story

The game highlighted contrasting styles. Cedevita Olimpija relied on a fluid motion offense that generated open looks from beyond the arc, while Crvena Zvezda sought to impose its will in the paint and through physical half-court sets. The home team’s ability to switch defensively and contest every perimeter shot limited Zvezda’s outside shooting to just 30%. Conversely, Cedevita Olimpija’s pick-and-roll execution created mismatches that their guards exploited repeatedly.

Standout Players

• For KK Cedevita Olimpija: The team’s leading scorer poured in 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-6 from three-point range. The point guard added 7 assists and 5 rebounds, controlling the tempo throughout.
• For Crvena Zvezda Belgrade: Their star forward posted a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds, keeping his team in contention. However, he received insufficient support from the bench, which contributed only 15 points.

Table and Season Impact

The victory strengthened Cedevita Olimpija’s position in the upper half of the ABA League standings, moving them to a 14–7 record and solidifying their playoff ambitions. For Crvena Zvezda, the loss dropped them to 12–9, but they remain a dangerous contender heading into the season’s final stretch. Both teams will look to refine their rotations as the postseason approaches.