Cibona Zagreb secured a hard-fought 75-70 victory over KK Zadar in a thrilling Favbet Premijer liga encounter on April 24, 2026. The match, played at home, showcased Cibona’s resilience and tactical discipline as they overcame a determined Zadar side in a contest that had significant implications for the league standings.

Match Overview

The game tipped off just after 1:00 AM local time, drawing a late-night crowd of dedicated basketball fans. Cibona Zagreb entered the match with the home-court advantage and used it to establish an early rhythm. KK Zadar, known for their aggressive defense and fast breaks, kept the score tight throughout the first half, but Cibona’s ability to execute down the stretch proved decisive.

Key Moments

• First Half Defense: Cibona’s defensive pressure limited Zadar’s transition opportunities, forcing them into half-court sets where the home team held a clear advantage.
• Second Half Surge: A critical run in the third quarter saw Cibona extend their lead to double digits, but Zadar responded with a 10-2 spurt early in the fourth to cut the deficit to just three points.
• Clutch Free Throws: In the final two minutes, Cibona made 6 of 8 free throws to seal the 75-70 win, showcasing their composure under pressure.

Tactical Story

Head coach Jakov Vranković’s game plan centered on controlling the paint and limiting Zadar’s three-point shooting. Cibona’s big men dominated the boards, pulling down 42 rebounds compared to Zadar’s 33, which translated into crucial second-chance points. Zadar’s perimeter players struggled to find clean looks, finishing just 6-of-22 from beyond the arc. Offensively, Cibona’s ball movement was exemplary, recording 18 assists and finding open shooters in the corners.

Standout Players

• Cibona Zagreb: Point guard Mateo Krajina led all scorers with 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting, adding 6 assists and 4 rebounds. Center Ivan Novak contributed a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring the defense.
• KK Zadar: Forward Luka Božić was the standout for the visitors, posting 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals. His energy kept Zadar in the game, but he lacked sufficient support from the bench, which was outscored 22-8.

Season Impact

With this victory, Cibona Zagreb improved to 14-6 on the season, solidifying their position in the top four of the Favbet Premijer liga standings. The win also extended their home winning streak to six games, reinforcing their status as one of the toughest places to play in Croatian basketball. KK Zadar, now 11-9, remains in the playoff hunt but will need to address their road struggles, as they have now lost five of their last seven away games.

The match served as a reminder of the competitive depth in the Favbet Premijer liga, where any team can challenge on a given night. Cibona’s ability to execute in high-pressure moments suggests they are a legitimate title contender, while Zadar will look to regroup and bounce back in their next fixture.