Play-In Race Heats Up: Zadar Host FMP in Direct Showdown
Round 8 of the Play-Out stage brings us a game with massive implications, as Zadar will host FMP on Tuesday evening in what is practically a direct battle for a place in the Play-In.
(Photo: FMP/Nikola Cimburovic)
2025/26 AdmiralBet ABA League Play-out Round 8, Tuesday, 14 April 2026:
ZADAR - FMP
Where? Krešimir Ćosić Sports Hall, Zadar
When? 20:00
Story of the Game: Round 8 of the Play-Out stage brings us a game with massive implications, as Zadar will host FMP on Tuesday evening in what is practically a direct battle for a place in the Play-In.
The standings perfectly reflect the importance of this clash. Zadar currently hold a 10-13 record and sit tied in 3rd place, just outside the Play-In zone, while FMP are slightly ahead at 11-12, occupying the 2nd position that leads into the next stage. With only a few rounds left, every possession could make the difference in this tight race.
What adds extra spice to this encounter is their recent head-to-head. Just two weeks ago, FMP delivered a dominant performance in Belgrade, cruising to an emphatic 85:55 win. That result will certainly boost the visitors’ confidence ahead of this trip, as they aim to repeat the same kind of performance and solidify their Play-In position. On the other side, Zadar have a clear motive to change the outcome this time, knowing that a win here would mean a massive step forward in the Play-In race.
Match-up in focus: Vladimir Mihailović vs. Filip Barna.
Two elite scorers will go head-to-head in what could be the key factor of this game. Mihailović has been one of the most consistent offensive weapons in the league, currently ranking as the 3rd best scorer with 20.3 points per game. Meanwhile, Barna is just ahead of him as the 2nd best scorer of the season, averaging 20.7 points per game, and coming off another strong stretch of performances.
Head-to-Head Score in ABA: In total 15:21; In Zadar 11:7.
