Round 18 opens with a Dalmatian derby in Split

AdmiralBet ABA League Round 18, Friday, 3 February 2023:

SPLIT - ZADAR

Where? Split Sports Hall, Split

When? 18:00

Story of the game: In the opening game of the AdmiralBet ABA League Round 18, Split will be hosting Zadar at home in Split Sports Hall in the local derby of two Dalmatian squads, that have been playing exceptionally well so far this season.

And the two squads are entering their Round 18 clash with similar ambitions – to find themselves in the Top 8 when the Regular Season finishes. Zadar are right now in a fairly better position, as they are on a 9:8 record in the upper half of the standings, while Split are on a 6:11 record, just below the edge of the Playoffs Zone.

However, the two squads have been in a similar shape lately. Both of them have returned to the winning track last round and both of them have won twice over the past five rounds.

It’s worth noting that in 10 mutual encounters played before in Gripe between the two squads, it have been Zadar that have grabbed 9 road victories, while Split managed to win only once on their home court. Can they beat tradition this time, besides their opponents?

The outcome is certainly difficult to predict, so tune in on Friday night and find out how th game unfolds.

Match-up in focus: Perhaps the most interesting match-up for this game can be the one between Shannon Shorter of Split and Antonio Jordano of Zadar. While Shorter has been averaging 18.1 points per game, Jordano has been averaging 13.2 and most important of all – both of them have known how to make some decisive shots over the past. Can they step up this time once more?

Head-to-head score in the regional league: In total 5:16; In Split 1:9.