Zlatibor pulled off a stunning upset in the Serbia Basketball League, defeating powerhouse Crvena Zvezda Belgrade 94-89 on May 2, 2026. The home team delivered a gritty performance that shook up the league standings and highlighted their rising ambitions.

Match Overview

In a late-night tip-off at 00:00 local time, Zlatibor welcomed Crvena Zvezda Belgrade to their arena, and from the start, it was clear that the underdogs were not intimidated. Zlatibor shot an impressive percentage from the field, particularly from beyond the arc, and matched the physical intensity of the defending champions. The final score of 94-89 marked one of the biggest upsets of the Serbia Basketball League season.

Key Moments and Flow

Zlatibor jumped out to a hot start, leading 28-20 after the first quarter behind a flurry of three-pointers. Crvena Zvezda responded in the second quarter with a 15-4 run to take a slim lead, but Zlatibor’s resilience kept them close. The turning point came in the third quarter, when Zlatibor’s bench provided a spark, outscoring Zvezda’s reserves 22-12. In the final period, the home team held off a late comeback bid, making clutch free throws and crucial defensive stops to secure the victory.

Standout Performers

• Zlatibor: The team’s leading scorer poured in 28 points, including 5-of-8 from three-point range. The point guard dished out 11 assists and recorded 3 steals, controlling the game’s tempo. Forward contributions in the paint—10 rebounds and 4 blocks—anchored the defense.
• Crvena Zvezda Belgrade: Despite the loss, Zvezda’s star guard recorded 27 points and 7 assists, but received limited support. The team struggled with turnovers (16) and allowed Zlatibor to shoot 52% from the floor, which proved too much to overcome.

Season and Table Impact

This result dramatically alters the Serbia Basketball League landscape. Crvena Zvezda Belgrade, traditionally a title contender, now faces a setback in the race for the top seed, as the loss drops them two games behind the league leader. For Zlatibor, the victory lifts them into playoff contention, proving they can compete with the league’s elite. The win also provides a massive confidence boost for a team that has steadily improved throughout the season.

The head-to-head record now stands at 1-1 this season, setting up a potential rubber match in the postseason.

Looking Ahead

Zlatibor will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures, while Crvena Zvezda must respond with urgency to regain their championship form. The Serbia Basketball League remains unpredictable, and this upset serves as a reminder that no game is a sure thing.