Belgrade Ready For Another Crvena zvezda Meridianbet - Cedevita Olimpija Classic
The Quarter-Finals are bringing us a true regional classic as Crvena zvezda Meridianbet and Cedevita Olimpija are about to lock horns in Game 1 of their best-of-three series on Thursday evening in Belgrade.
Semi Ojeleye (Photo: ABA League j.t.d./Dragana Stjepanovic)
2025/26 AdmiralBet ABA League Payoffs, Quarter-Finals, Game 1, Thursdau, 7 May 2026:
CRVENA ZVEZDA MERIDIANBET - CEDEVITA OLIMPIJA
Where? Aleksandar Nikolić Sports Hall, Belgrade
When? 18:30
Story of the Game: The Quarter-Finals are bringing us a true regional classic as Crvena zvezda Meridianbet and Cedevita Olimpija are about to lock horns in Game 1 of their best-of-three series on Thursday evening in Belgrade.
Whenever these two sides meet, basketball fans across the region know they can expect drama, intensity and plenty of excitement. Their rivalry has already produced numerous unforgettable games over the years, while this season only added another memorable chapter to their story.
The two teams faced each other twice during the regular season and each protected the home court. Crvena zvezda Meridianbet claimed a convincing 97:77 win in Belgrade, while Cedevita Olimpija triumphed in Ljubljana in one of the most thrilling games of the season. The Dragons edged out the red-and-whites by 87:86 after a dramatic finish and showed that they are fully capable of challenging one of the main title contenders.
Now, the stakes are much higher. The Playoffs atmosphere always brings additional pressure and emotions, while every possession can potentially decide the outcome of the series.
The Belgrade powerhouse are hoping to open the series with a strong performance in front of their home crowd and immediately seize control before the series moves to Ljubljana. Meanwhile, the Dragons travel to Belgrade with confidence, knowing that they already managed to defeat this opponent once this season and believing they can claim another victory.
Match-up in focus: Jared Butler vs. Umoja Gibson.
The spotlight will certainly be on the duel between two elite offensive guards - Jared Butler and Umoja Gibson.
There is hardly anything new left to say about Butler’s offensive talent. The Crvena zvezda Meridianbet playmaker is capable of creating shots from almost every position on the floor, while his ability to score in bunches can completely change the rhythm of the game within minutes.
On the other side, Gibson has turned out to be one of the best signings of the season for Cedevita Olimpija. The explosive guard brought consistency and offensive firepower to the Ljubljana squad, while his scoring numbers speak for themselves. Remarkably, Gibson finished in double digits in 20 out of 24 games during the regular season, proving just how reliable he has been throughout the campaign.
Head-to-Head Score in ABA: In total 12:5; In Belgrade 9:0.
