Third-quarter Masterclass Sends Crvena zvezda Meridianbet to Victory in Cluj-Napoca

2025/26 AdmiralBet ABA League Top 8 Round 2, Sunday, 8 March 2026:

U-BT Cluj-Napoca - CRVENA ZVEZDA MERIDIANBET 85:97 (30:26, 16:15, 19:37, 20:19)

PHOTO GALLERY

POST-GAME COMMENTS

Game Recap: Crvena zvezda Meridianbet secured a valuable road win in Round 2 of the Top 8 stage as they defeated U-BT Cluj-Napoca 97:85 in a thrilling clash in front of a packed BT Arena.

The home fans once again filled the BT Arena to the very last seat and created a spectacular atmosphere, showing huge support for their basketball heroes. Inspired by that energy, Cluj-Napoca delivered a strong performance in the first half. The hosts played with confidence on both ends of the floor and managed to go to the big break with a 5-point lead, looking ready to protect their home court.

However, everything changed after halftime.

Key moments: Crvena zvezda Meridianbet came out of the locker room with completely different energy and showcased their full power in the third quarter, which ultimately decided the outcome of the game. The Belgrade side dominated that period, winning it by 37:19 and completely turning the momentum in their favor.

The visitors produced a crucial 19:2 run in that period that broke their rivals’ resistance. What was a 5-point deficit at halftime suddenly turned into a 13-point lead for Zvezda by the end of the period. With the game under control, the red-and-whites had no major problems maintaining their advantage during the final 10 minutes.

Man of the Match: The man of the match was Codi Miller-McIntyre, who delivered a spectacular performance. The Zvezda playmaker scored 27 points, including 7 three-pointers, while also adding 5 rebounds and 6 assists to lead his team to victory.

Can’t trick the stats: Sometimes a single quarter is enough to decide a game. That was exactly the case in Cluj-Napoca, as Zvezda’s explosive third period completely turned the contest in their favor.