Cibona and Slovan Bratislava chase first win of the season
Two teams looking for their first victory of the new AdmiralBet ABA League season will meet in Zagreb on Monday evening, as Cibona welcome Slovan Bratislava in a clash that carries special significance for both clubs.
Khalif Battle (Photo: Cedevita Olimpija/Filip Barbalic)
2026/27 AdmiralBet ABA League Regular Season Group A, Round 3, Monday, 12 October 2026:
CIBONA – SLOVAN BRATISLAVA
Where? Dražen Petrović Sports Hall, Zagreb
When? 19:00
Story of the Game: Two teams looking for their first victory of the new AdmiralBet ABA League season will meet in Zagreb on Monday evening, as Cibona welcome Slovan Bratislava in a clash that carries special significance for both clubs. The Wolves are back in the regional competition after a one-season absence, while their visitors are experiencing their first-ever ABA League campaign.
Cibona began their regional journey with an 89:76 defeat against Cedevita Olimpija in Ljubljana, but their performances in other competitions have provided plenty of reasons for optimism. The Zagreb side produced an impressive 96:76 victory over Galatasaray in the Basketball Champions League earlier this week, so they will now hope to carry that positive momentum into their first AdmiralBet ABA League home game of the season.
Slovan Bratislava also suffered defeat in their opening AdmiralBet ABA League appearance, losing 97:89 against Igokea m:tel in Laktaši. However, the Slovakian newcomers showed that they can compete at this level, particularly during an impressive opening quarter in which they scored 33 points. Their offensive potential was evident, but defensive consistency will be crucial if they want to leave Zagreb with their first regional victory.
With both teams eager to get off the mark, Monday's encounter promises an interesting battle between a traditional ABA League powerhouse and the competition's newest member.
Match-up in Focus: Lovro Mazalin vs. Zoran Nikolić.
An intriguing battle between two experienced players could play an important role in deciding Monday's contest. Cibona's Lovro Mazalin was one of his team's standout performers in the opening AdmiralBet ABA League game, recording 14 points, 7 rebounds and a valuation of 20 against Cedevita Olimpija.
On the other side, Zoran Nikolić made an excellent first impression in a Slovan Bratislava jersey, scoring a team-high 24 points against Igokea m:tel.
Head-to-head score in ABA: In total 0:0.
