Classic in Zagreb – Cibona set to host Partizan NIS

Friday, 01. February 2019 at 11:00

The opening game of the ABA League Round 18 is already going to be a big one, as Cibona will be hosting Partizan NIS at home in Dražen Petrović Arena in Zagreb. Are you ready for the battle of powerhouses?

Marko Ljubicic (Photo: Partizan NIS)

ABA League Round 18, Saturday, 2.2.2019:

CIBONA – PARTIZAN NIS

Where? Dražen Petrović Arena, Zagreb

When? 17:00

Story of the game: Big basketball night is coming up for Zagreb fans, as their Cibona will be hosting Partizan NIS in the opening game of the ABA League’s Saturday schedule. Such basketball classics rarely disappoint us and we are convinced that this time would be no different.

The teams have lots to play for, as the hosts currently stand in the middle of the ABA League standings with 7 triumphs, only 2 more than the three last placed teams and need to win desperately in order to avoid the danger zone once and for all. On the other hand we have Partizan NIS still fighting for Playoffs, and they are currently 2 wins above their main competitors for a Playoffs spot – Mega Bemax. But, also only a win short of the second place, which is currently being shared by Cedevita and Budućnost VOLI.

Taking a look at the current shapes of the both squads, one could argue that Partizan NIS’ odds are looking slightly better this time, since they have won 5 games in a row in the ABA League. On the other side, Cibona have won 2 out of their last 5, but… they have been convincing lately when playing at home court.

Tradition teaches us, that the classics between Cibona and Partizan NIS have always been exciting. In 18 games played in Zagreb between the two sides, each one of them have celebrated victories nine times.

Match-up in focus: Marko Ljubičić against Alex Renfroe! There is no dilemma that the mentioned duo are amongst the top point guards of the ABA League and this time we might get an answer to the question which one is better! Currently both of them are top passers of their teams – while Ljubičić is averaging 4.5 assists per game, Renfroe is averaging 6) and Ljubičić is also the top scorer of Cibona (12.8 points per game), while Renfroe comes third at Partizan NIS (11.8 points per game). It seems that the one that can stop another, might well decide the winner of this clash!

Head to head in the regional league: In total 10:26; In Zagreb 9:9.

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