Zvezda Seal Semi-Finals Spot with Dominant 4th Quarter Display

2025/26 AdmiralBet ABA League Payoffs, Quarter-Finals, Game 3, Friday, 15 May 2026:

CRVENA ZVEZDA MERIDIANBET - Cedevita Olimpija 95:86 (27:15, 22:31, 17:24, 29:16)

PHOTO GALLERY

POST-GAME COMMENTS

Game Recap: After three super exciting battles between two old rivals, Crvena zvezda Meridianbet emerged as the winner of the quarter-finals series vs Cedevita Olimpija. The Belgrade side defeated the Dragons at home by 95:86 in Game 3 to clinch the series 2-1 and advance to the 2025/26 AdmiralBet ABA League Semi-Finals.

The red-and-whites once again had a stronger opening to the match, quickly creating a double-digit lead behind excellent offensive rhythm and strong defense. However, Cedevita Olimpija refused to back down. The visitors slowly started cutting the gap and managed to return completely into the game before halftime. Still, Crvena zvezda Meridianbet entered the break with a slim advantage thanks to Semi Ojeleye’s buzzer-beating three-pointer that made it 49:46 at halftime.

The Dragons continued their momentum in the 3rd quarter and delivered perhaps their best stretch of the evening. Cedevita Olimpija managed to take over the lead and after 30 minutes of play the visitors were in front by 70:66, putting huge pressure on the home side ahead of the decisive quarter.

But that is when Crvena zvezda Meridianbet showed their championship mentality.

The Belgrade powerhouse produced their best quarter of the entire series in the final 10 minutes, completely taking control of the game on both ends of the floor. Zvezda won the 4th quarter by 29:16 to turn the game around, defend home court for the second time in this series and secure their ticket for the Semi-Finals.

Key moments: With a bit over two minutes left on the game clock and Crvena zvezda Meridianbet holding a 86:80 lead, Semi Ojeleye produced the sequence that decided the game. Firstly, he protected the rim with a huge block on defense, while only moments later he drained a massive three-pointer on the other end of the floor to give Zvezda a comfortable 89:80 cushion and ignite the crowd inside Aleksandar Nikolić Sports Hall.

Man of the match: Nikola Kalinić was everywhere on the floor tonight. The experienced forward finished the game with 10 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, while his leadership and enormous impact in the 4th quarter played a crucial role in Crvena zvezda Meridianbet sealing the win and advancing to the next stage.

Can’t trick the stats: One single quarter decided the outcome of the entire series. Crvena zvezda Meridianbet dominated the final period by 29:16 to defeat their rivals.