Crvena zvezda mts win the thriller vs. Cibona

AdmiralBet ABA League Round 23, Monday, 21 March 2022:

Cibona - CRVENA ZVEZDA MTS 74:78 (12:20, 20:18, 24:16, 18:24)

PHOTO GALLERY

POST-GAME COMMENTS

Game recap: Crvena zvezda mts have made another big step forward in the race for the 1st place as they defeated Cibona on the road in this week's NLB Match of the Round. 

Crvena zvezda mts have therefore extended their winning streak against their old rivals as this was their 16^th consecutive win against Cibona in the regional league. But, it should be mentioned that this was perhaps the hardest win for the Belgrade team in recent clashes against their Zagreb rivals.

In a thrilling game, played in front of 2,500 loud fans in Dražen Petrović Sports Hall, Crvena zvezda mts had more concentration in key moments. Nikola Ivanović and Luka Mitrović played key roles late in the 4^th quarter, while Ognjen Dobrić eventually sealed the win for the visitors with his clutch 3-pointer.

Crvena zvezda mts now have the overall score of 19-2, while Cibona are at 9:12.

Key moments: Cibona had a 2-point lead in front of the 4^th quarter – 56:54, but then Crvena zvezda mts scored 11 consecutive points at the start of the last 10-minurte period to escape on a 9-point lead – 65:56. Still, this game was far from over. Carried by the noise of their loyal fans, Cibona team managed to once again take over the lead – 68:67, with 3 minutes left to be played in the 4^th quarter.

Still, that was the last time this evening that the home team was in front. After taking a time-out, Crvena zvezda mts returned on court to make the decisive 6:0 run and get back in front – 73:68. Cibona managed to melt the gap to 3 points – 75:72, but then Ognjen Dobrić scored the key 3-pointer just 20 seconds before the end of the match to seal the win for his team.

Man of the match: Luka Mitrović has celebrated his birthday in the best possible way as he recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds to lead Crvena zvezda mts toward the win. His overall index rating was 21.

Can’t trick the stats: While Cibona squad missed too many 2-pointers (19/41 FG2), Crvena zvezda mts were quite good in making their 2-point shots (20/30).