Cedevita Olimpija Host Zadar: Both Teams Hungry for a Bounce-Back Win in Ljubljana
After both teams stumbled in Round 2, Cedevita Olimpija and Zadar are determined to bounce back in style when they meet in Ljubljana. The clash promises intensity, quality, and a battle of two teams that have already shown plenty of potential early in the new AdmiralBet ABA League season.
Cameron Houindo (Photo: Cedevita Olimpija/Filip Barbalic)
2025/26 AdmiralBet ABA League Group B Round 3, Sunday, 19 October 2025:
CEDEVITA OLIMPIJA - ZADAR
Where? Stožice Arena, Ljubljana
When? 17:00
Story of the Game: After both teams stumbled in Round 2, Cedevita Olimpija and Zadar are determined to bounce back in style when they meet in Ljubljana. The clash promises intensity, quality, and a battle of two teams that have already shown plenty of potential early in the new AdmiralBet ABA League season.
Cedevita Olimpija enter this matchup following a tough defeat in Podgorica, where they lost the derby against Budućnost VOLI. Still, the Dragons have enjoyed a strong start to 2025/26 overall - they already lifted the 2025 Slovenian Supercup trophy, stand at 1-1 in the AdmiralBet ABA League and remain undefeated in the BKT EuroCup (3-0). The Dragons will now look to extend that good rhythm to the regional stage and defend home court in front of their fans.
Zadar, on the other hand, are coming off a heartbreaking loss in Ljubljana to Ilirija, decided in the very last seconds. But their season opened with a statement win - a stunning road victory over Crvena zvezda Meridianbet, reminding everyone how dangerous they can be even away from home. Led by their trademark toughness and fighting spirit, Danijel Jusup’s side will once again look to silence a big crowd in Ljubljana.
Playing in Stožice Arena is always a big plus for Cedevita Olimpija, yet recent history warns against complacency. Zadar have triumphed in two of their last four visits to Ljubljana, proving that they can thrive in this environment when they find their rhythm early.
Match-Up in Focus: Aleksej Nikolić vs. Vladimir Mihailović.
The battle of point guards could define the outcome. Aleksej Nikolić, Cedevita Olimpija’s floor general, has been both a scorer and a leader in their early games, setting the tempo on both ends. Across from him, Vladimir Mihailović continues to deliver veteran brilliance for Zadar - currently standing as their top scorer of the season.
Head-to-head in ABA: In total 6:6; In Ljubljana 4:2.
