KK Split opened its FIBA Europe Cup home campaign with a hard-earned 81-77 victory over BK Opava on November 12, 2026, surviving a tense final minute at the Dražen Petrović Basketball Hall. The Croatian side trailed at halftime but used a decisive third-quarter surge and calm late free-throw shooting to close out a game that remained in the balance until the final possession.

Match overview

Split started with energy in front of its home crowd, but Opava’s patient half-court offense kept the visitors within touching distance. The first quarter ended 21-19 in Split’s favor, and Opava edged the second period 22-18 to take a 41-39 lead into the break. The Czech side had success stretching the floor with quick ball movement, while Split relied on second-chance points and drives into the paint.

The game turned in the third quarter. Split opened the second half with a 10-2 run, forcing Opava into early turnovers and converting transition chances. A 23-17 third period gave the hosts a 62-58 cushion heading into the final ten minutes, and that buffer proved just enough.

Key moments

Opava refused to fade. A pair of three-pointers brought the visitors back to within one possession late in the fourth, and when Jan Šíma connected from deep with 1:42 remaining, the score stood at 77-76 in Split’s favor. The hosts responded with a composed possession that ended in two free throws, then added another pair after a defensive stop. Opava had one last look from beyond the arc, but the shot rimmed out and Split secured the rebound to seal the win.

• Split’s decisive third-quarter run changed the rhythm of the game.
• Opava made six second-half three-pointers but went cold in the final 90 seconds.
• Split converted 17 of 21 free throws, including four in the closing minute.

Tactical story

Split’s advantage came inside the arc. The hosts repeatedly attacked the rim through dribble penetration and generated extra possessions with offensive rebounds. Defensively, they switched between man-to-man and a compact zone, briefly disrupting Opava’s rhythm in the third quarter. Opava’s best stretches came when its guards played with pace and found open shooters in the corners, but the visitors struggled to contain Split’s dribble drives without fouling.

Standout performers

Roko Delić led Split with 22 points and eight rebounds, repeatedly drawing contact in the paint. Marko Bakić added 17 points and four assists, while the Split bench contributed timely defensive minutes in the fourth quarter. For Opava, Jan Šíma top-scored with 19 points, including four three-pointers, and Tomáš Křemen added 14 points and seven rebounds in a losing effort.

What it means

The result gives KK Split a valuable home win in FIBA Europe Cup group-stage play and strengthens its position ahead of a demanding road stretch. For BK Opava, the narrow defeat is a frustrating one after competing for 40 minutes, but the performance offers encouragement as the club looks to stay in the playoff conversation. Split’s ability to win a close game late could prove important when head-to-head records and point differentials begin to shape the standings.