U-BT Cluj-Napoca bounces back with a win against Perspektiva Ilirija

AdmiralBet ABA League Round 8, Saturday, 14 November 2026:

U-BT CLUJ-NAPOCA - Perspektiva Ilirija 77:71 (16:13, 23:15, 14:21, 24:22)

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POST-GAME COMMENTS

Game recap: U-BT Cluj-Napoca secured their third home victory of the AdmiralBet ABA League season after overcoming Perspektiva Ilirija in a closely contested encounter in Cluj-Napoca.

The hosts established an 11-point advantage by halftime, but Perspektiva Ilirija responded with a strong third quarter to reduce the deficit to just four points heading into the final period. Despite the visitors' efforts to complete the comeback, U-BT Cluj-Napoca maintained their composure in the closing stages to secure the six-point victory.

Key moments: The home side gradually took control during the second quarter, improving their offensive production while limiting Perspektiva Ilirija to 15 points. A late three-pointer from Jalyn McCreary and a driving layup from Javonte Smart helped U-BT Cluj-Napoca establish a 39:28 advantage at halftime.

Perspektiva Ilirija responded after the break, outscoring the hosts 14:21 in the third quarter. The visitors gradually reduced the deficit, with contributions from Edo Murić and Cole Hargrove helping them move within two points at 51:49. However, a basket from L.J. Walker allowed U-BT Cluj-Napoca to enter the final period ahead 53:49.

The fourth quarter remained competitive as Perspektiva Ilirija continued to challenge the hosts. U-BT Cluj-Napoca managed to preserve their advantage during the decisive minutes, with Uroš Plavšić contributing important points down the stretch. The hosts eventually secured the victory with a final score of 77:71.

Man of the Match: Jalyn McCreary was the standout performer in U-BT Cluj-Napoca's victory, finishing with a team-high 14 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. McCreary shot 3/5 from two-point range, 1/2 from beyond the arc and 5/6 from the free-throw line, providing an efficient offensive contribution in the hosts' six-point victory.

Can't Trick the Stats: Free-throw shooting proved to be one of the decisive factors in the contest. U-BT Cluj-Napoca converted 25 of their 33 attempts from the line, compared to just 8 of 14 for Perspektiva Ilirija, giving the hosts a significant advantage despite the visitors making more field goals.