KK Zadar 75 – 82 Cibona Zagreb
Favbet Premijer liga – June 11, 2026

In a hard-fought Croatian basketball derby, Cibona Zagreb edged out hosts KK Zadar 82–75 at the Krešimir Ćosić Hall in a match that had significant implications for the Favbet Premijer liga standings. Despite a spirited home performance, Zadar could not contain the visitors’ balanced attack in the second half, allowing Cibona to secure a crucial road victory.

Match Overview

The opening quarter set the tone for a tense contest. Both teams traded baskets early, with Zadar’s aggressive defense forcing Cibona into several turnovers. However, the visitors responded swiftly, closing the first period with a 22–20 lead. The second quarter saw Zadar find offensive rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc, but Cibona’s veteran guard play kept them in front, 42–40, at halftime.

Key Moments

• Third quarter surge – Cibona opened the second half on a 10–2 run, stretching their lead to 52–42. Zadar never fully recovered from this burst.
• Home rally falls short – Trailing 68–60 with five minutes remaining, Zadar cut the deficit to 73–70 after a quick 8–2 spurt. But Cibona responded with a crucial three-pointer and two free throws to restore control.
• Clutch free throws – In the final minute, Cibona converted 6 of 6 from the stripe to seal the win, denying Zadar any chance of a late comeback.

Standout Players

For Cibona, shooting guard Luka Kovačević led all scorers with 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including four three-pointers. Point guard Ivan Novosel added a near double-double of 14 points and 9 assists, orchestrating the offense with composure down the stretch.

On the Zadar side, forward Marin Bulić was the standout, contributing 19 points and 7 rebounds. Center Roberto Perić also had a solid outing with 12 points and 10 rebounds, though he struggled with foul trouble in the fourth quarter.

Table and Season Impact

The victory improved Cibona’s record to 18–5, keeping them squarely in the race for the top spot in the Favbet Premijer liga standings. Zadar dropped to 14–9, now sitting fifth with a difficult schedule ahead. For both clubs, this rivalry fixture carries weight beyond simple points; it’s a benchmark for form heading into the postseason.

What’s Next

KK Zadar will look to bounce back on the road against KK Split, while Cibona returns home to face bottom‑side KK Zabok. With the playoffs approaching, every result matters, and this road win gives Cibona a significant psychological edge.