Cedevita Olimpija get the NLB Match of the Round win against Crvena zvezda Meridianbet

AdmiralBet ABA League Round 15, Saturday, 6 January 2024:

CEDEVITA OLIMPIJA - Crvena zvezda Meridianbet 96:86 (23:21, 26:16, 21:28, 26:21)

PHOTO GALLERY
POST-GAME COMMENTS

Game recap: Cedevita Olimpija got the important win in the NLB Match of the Round after beating Crvena zvezda Meridianbet in a thrilling game that fulfilled expectations. 

Throughout the game Cedevita Olimpija was the better team on the court tonight, in the second quarter they managed to pull away from the red-and-whites after they outscored them by 10 to take a 49:37 lead into the halftime break. In the opening minutes of the third quarter, Cedevita Olimpija continued to grow their lead to +18. Still, Crvena zvezda Meridianbet would not let them run away with the game that easily. Throughout the rest of the half, the visitors from Belgrade continued chipping into the dragon's advantage, midway through the final quarter Ioannis Sfairopoulos' squad came within 3 points but Cedevita Olimpija was able to pull away again and secure the win in front of their home fans. 

Key moments: After Crvena zvezda Meridianbet cut the Cedevita Olimpija lead to 84:80 late in the final quarter, the Dragons went on a crucial 6:0 run to take an 11-point lead heading into the final minute and a half of the game. From that point on the red-and-white's didn't have enough gas left in the tank to get back into the game and complete a comeback. 

Man of the Match: Karlo Matković was an absolute beast for Cedevita Olimpija tonight, he played a stellar game on both ends of the floor. The big man put up 23 points, 7 rebounds, and blocked 7 shots for a 31 valuation. 

Can't hide the stats: The ball movement tonight from Cedevita Olimpija was terrific, they played a fluid game where everyone got a touch. The dragons dished out 20 assists tonight while Crvena zvezda Meridianbet had only 11, not to mention it wasn't easy for them after their point guard Miloš Teodošić went down with an injury.