KK Cedevita Junior protected home advantage with an 89–84 victory over KK Dubrava Zagreb in the Favbet Premijer liga, surviving a tense final quarter to claim a hard-fought Zagreb derby. The win came on the back of a balanced offensive performance and a defensive stand in the last two minutes that ultimately decided a game that had been tight throughout.

Match Overview

This was a Zagreb matchup with plenty of familiarity on both benches, and it played out like one: physical, guard-oriented, and decided in the closing possessions. Cedevita Junior led for the majority of the evening but never by a comfortable margin, while Dubrava stayed within a single possession for long stretches and had chances to steal it late.

• Final score: KK Cedevita Junior 89 – 84 KK Dubrava Zagreb
• Competition: Favbet Premijer liga
• Winning margin: 5 points
• Decisive phase: Final two minutes

How the Game Unfolded

Cedevita Junior started with intent, pushing the ball in transition and attacking early in the shot clock. That tempo produced a quick lead, but Dubrava responded with patience, working the ball inside and using their size on the offensive glass to keep the scoreline close. By the end of the first quarter the gap was minimal, and it stayed that way through a scrappy second period in which both teams traded runs.

The third quarter belonged to the hosts. A run built on defensive stops and quick outlet passes pushed Cedevita Junior's advantage toward double figures, and for a few minutes it looked as though the game might break open. Dubrava, to their credit, refused to fold — a series of three-pointers late in the period brought them back within striking distance heading into the final ten minutes.

Key Moments

The fourth quarter was a genuine back-and-forth affair. Dubrava tied the game with just under three minutes remaining, silencing the home crowd momentarily. Cedevita Junior's answer came on the next two possessions: a drive-and-kick three from the top of the arc, followed by a defensive stop and a fast-break layup that restored a five-point cushion.

Dubrava had one final look to cut the lead to two in the last thirty seconds, but a contested three rimmed out, and Cedevita Junior iced the game at the free-throw line. It was a finish that reflected the whole night — neither team able to fully separate, and the hosts just slightly sharper when it mattered.

Tactical Story

Cedevita Junior's advantage came from perimeter quickness. Their guards consistently beat their defenders off the dribble, collapsing Dubrava's defense and creating open looks for shooters on the wing. When Dubrava switched to a zone look in the second half, the hosts responded by attacking the middle of it rather than settling for early threes.

Dubrava's game plan was built around interior play and second-chance points, and it worked for long stretches. Their frontcourt won several key rebounding battles and drew fouls inside, keeping them in the game even when their jump shot deserted them. In the end, the difference was turnovers: Dubrava's late giveaways turned into easy points the other way.

Standout Performers

• Cedevita Junior's backcourt controlled tempo and delivered the biggest shots of the fourth quarter.
• The Cedevita Junior bench provided valuable minutes, particularly during the third-quarter run.
• Dubrava's interior scorers were efficient and physical, consistently earning trips to the free-throw line.
• Dubrava's perimeter shooters kept the comeback alive with timely three-point shooting in the third.

Season Impact

The result gives Cedevita Junior an important early-season win in the Favbet Premijer liga standings and, just as significantly, a confidence boost in a local rivalry that always carries extra meaning. For Dubrava, the loss is a narrow one against a direct competitor, and the margin will sting — but the performance showed enough to suggest they will be competitive in the rounds ahead. Both clubs now look forward to the next fixture list, with Cedevita Junior hoping to turn this into a run and Dubrava focused on closing out tight games more effectively.