Can Cibona once again stun Crvena zvezda Meridianbet at home court?
Last season, the Cibona pulled off one of the biggest sensations of the season when they defeated Crvena zvezda Meridianbet in Dražen Petrović Sports Hall, Zagreb. Can they do it again this Sunday evening?
Joel Bolomboy (Photo: Crvena zvezda Meridianbet/Djordje Kostic)
2023/24 AdmiralBet ABA League Round 23, Sunday, 17 March 2024:
CIBONA - CRVENA ZVEZDA MERIDIANBET
Where? Dražen Petrović Sports Hall, Zagreb
When? 18:00
Story of the game: Last season, the Cibona pulled off one of the biggest sensations of the season when they defeated Crvena zvezda Meridianbet in Dražen Petrović Sports Hall, Zagreb. Can they do it again this Sunday evening?
Cibona are currently placed in the safe zone, right between the Top 8 and the bottom of the standings. Therefore, they are not in a must-win position ahead of this duel and they can benefit from that kind of situation.
On the other side, Crvena zvezda Meridianbet do not want to let themselves another slip in Zagreb, especially now when they are so close to secure the 1st place in the regular season. The Belgrade troops are still two steps ahead of 2nd placed Budućnost VOLI and three steps ahead of 3rd placed Partizan Mozzart Bet, and the red-and-whites want to keep that distance after this weekend.
Match-up in focus: With 15.1 points per game, Aleksandar Aranitović is the top scorer of Cibona in the ongoing season and he should be the main offensive power for the Wolves in the upcoming match.
On the other side, with three point guards injured, Nemanja Nedović will have to step up for Crvena zvezda Meridianbet and lead the team in the following match. Nedović is the 2nd best scorer of Crvena zvezda Meridianbet in the 2023/24 AdmiralBet ABA League season with 12 points per game.
Head-to-head score in the regional league: In total 12:33; In Zagreb 10:11.