Luka Božić puts up a triple-double to help Zadar beat Split

AdmiralBet ABA League Round 8, Friday, 17 November 2023:

Split - ZADAR 75:82 (14:16, 28:19, 14:25, 19:22)

PHOTO GALLERY
POST-GAME COMMENTS

Game recap: Luka Božić put up a monster performance to help Zadar get the win in the Dalmatian derby to bead Split. 

For the most part, it was a tight game throughout all 40 minutes, with both teams exchanging the lead. Split managed to pull away in the second quarter, the hosts closed the half with a 10:0 run after trailing by 3 before that. Danijel Jusup's halftime talk clearly worked as Zadar took over the third quarter, they outscored Split 14:25 in the period and took a 4-point lead heading into the final quarter. In the final quarter, Split wouldn't let Zadar run away with the game but couldn't cut into the Zadar advantage to try and get the win. 

Key moments: After Split cut the Zadar advantage to just 5 with two minutes remaining in the game, Zadar made a quick but crucial 5:2 run to seal the win. The run was started off by Karlo Žganec who, prior to fouling out, hit a big three to give Zadar the 68:76 lead. This was followed by a Lewis Sullivan layup but that was cancelled out by Marko Ramljak who rushed down the court for the bucket. This forced Split to call a timeout but too little too late as that quick run helped Zadar head home with the win. 

Man of the match: Without a doubt, tonight's man of the match is Luka Božić, last year's MVP continues with unbelievable performance this season. He finished the night with a monster triple-double, he scored 28 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists with a ridiculous valuation of 47. 

Can't hide the stats: Zadar played a more aggressive game tonight, they managed to get to the free throw line while also hitting their shots from the charity stripe. Zadar hit 15 shots from the free throw line while Split hit 6 on just 8 attempts.