Crvena zvezda Meridianbet Prevail Over U-BT Cluj-Napoca

2025/26 AdmiralBet ABA League Top 8 Round 7, Monday, 13 April 2026:

CRVENA ZVEZDA MERIDIANBET - U-BT Cluj-Napoca 86:76 (25:19, 26:20, 15:23, 20:14)

PHOTO GALLERY

POST-GAME COMMENTS

Game Recap: Crvena zvezda Meridianbet defeated U-BT Cluj-Napoca at home in Round 7 of the Top 8 stage, 86:76, taking another important step toward securing the 3rd place ahead of the Playoffs. The red-and-whites could even mathematically lock that position later this evening, depending on the outcome of Budućnost VOLI game. On the other side, Cluj used this clash as another strong test ahead of the postseason, having already secured the 5th spot in the standings.

Zvezda looked in control early on, building a double-digit lead during the first half and setting the tone with their offensive rhythm. However, the visitors refused to back down. Cluj responded in the 3rd quarter, cutting the gap to just 4 points (66:62), before tightening things even further at the start of the final period when the score stood at 66:65.

Key moments: With the momentum slipping away, Zvezda showed their character in the 4th quarter. Nikola Kalinić stepped up in the decisive stretch, knocking down all three of his long-range attempts, while Ebuka Izundu dominated the paint with crucial plays on both ends of the floor. That late push helped the hosts regain control and pull away to a comfortable 86:76 win.

Man of the match: While not the team’s top scorer, Kalinić delivered when it mattered most. His 9 points, all scored in the 4th quarter, proved vital in breaking Cluj’s resistance and guiding Zvezda to victory in a tightly contested battle.

Can’t trick the stats: Zvezda’s shooting from beyond the arc made a significant difference. The hosts drained 14 three-pointers out of 29 attempts, many of them in crucial moments, while Cluj finished the game with 8 made threes.