Perspektiva Ilirija Overcomes a 15-point Deficit to Beat Split in OT

2025/26 AdmiralBet ABA League Play-out Round 1, Tuesday, 3 March 2026:

Split - PERSPEKTIVA ILIRIJA 107:112 (31:20, 16:26, 20:22, 27:26, 13:18)

PHOTO GALLERY
POST-GAME COMMENTS

Game Recap: In a thrilling opening game of the AdmiralBet ABA League play-out phase Round 1, Split and Perspektiva Ilirija delivered a high-scoring battle that required overtime to determine a winner. In front of a lively crowd at Gripe, the visitors emerged victorious, 112:107, after an intense 45 minutes of basketball.

Split came out with purpose, displaying energy and aggression on both ends of the floor. Their defensive pressure translated into fast-break opportunities, and they quickly built a double-digit lead. At one stage in the first quarter, the home side was firmly in control with a 25:10 advantage.

However, Ilirija gradually settled into the contest. As the first half progressed, the visitors chipped away at the deficit and managed to stay within reach. Split held a narrow 47:46 lead at halftime, but the momentum had begun to shift.

The second half saw multiple lead changes, with both teams trading baskets and responding to each other’s runs. Ilirija showed resilience, while Split continued to find answers through timely perimeter shooting and inside adjustments. Regulation ended tied after a dramatic sequence in the closing seconds, sending the contest into overtime.

In the extra period, Ilirija proved more composed, executing efficiently in the decisive moments to secure a crucial road win and open their play-out campaign on a positive note.

Key Moments: The decisive stretch came late in the fourth quarter and throughout overtime.

With just over four minutes remaining in regulation, Split appeared to have regained control after extending their lead to 84:78. The home side seemed poised to close out the game, but Ilirija responded behind the shot-making of Wendell Green Jr. and timely plays from their experienced core.

In the final seconds of regulation, Split held a slim advantage but were unable to fully capitalize from the free-throw line. Ilirija forced overtime with a last-second basket, shifting the psychological edge heading into the extra session.

Overtime began with a decisive burst from the visitors, who opened the period with a 7:0 run in the first 90 seconds to establish a 101:94 lead. That early separation proved critical. Although Split fought back and cut the deficit to two points inside the final minute, an offensive rebound by Ilirija following a missed possession denied the hosts a final opportunity to regain control. From there, Ilirija calmly converted from the line to seal the win.

Man of the Match: Wendell Green Jr. delivered a standout performance, guiding Ilirija through crucial phases of the contest and especially shining in the closing moments.

He finished the game with 30 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists, repeatedly stepping up when his team needed scoring or playmaking. Green connected from long range with confidence and maintained his composure during the tense final minutes of regulation and overtime. His shot-making and decision-making were instrumental in turning the tide after Split’s late push in the fourth quarter.

In a game filled with momentum swings, Green’s consistency and leadership ultimately made the difference.

Can’t Trick the Stats: Free-throw shooting played a significant role in determining the outcome.

Ilirija consistently attacked the paint and drew contact, earning 32 trips to the free-throw line and converting 22 of those attempts. Split, meanwhile, went 14-for-19 from the stripe.

While Split posted a solid percentage, Ilirija’s ability to generate more opportunities at the line proved decisive—particularly in overtime, where each possession carried extra weight. The additional eight made free throws by the visitors in comparison ultimately matched the five-point margin of victory and highlighted how getting to the line can shape the outcome in tightly contested games.

In a matchup decided by fine margins, the numbers from the charity stripe told a decisive part of the story.