CIBONA leads 1-0 in the Croatian League semi-finals after defeating Split 84-79 (16:26, 20:15, 22:11, 26:27) in the first game. Captain Krešimir Radovčić shined for Cibona with 26 points, while Jan Palokaj added 14. For Split, Paolo Marinelli scored 21 points, and Dario Drežnjak contributed 18 points.

The match between the two Croatian powerhouses was uncertain until the very end, with Cibona sealing the win with free throws in the final minutes. The second game will be played in Split on Monday at 18:30, with the first team to win two games advancing to the final.

Tense Finish Decides the Match

Split had a strong start, leading 9-2, and held a 10-point lead by the end of the first quarter, largely due to the performance of Sikirić. At halftime, Split led 41-32, but Cibona caught up, scoring the last four baskets of the first half and the first 11 of the second, to lead 47-41 in the 25th minute and take control of the game.

However, Split equalized at 79-79 with a three-pointer by Drežnjak just 53 seconds before the end. Cibona's Hepa then made two free throws after being fouled, making the score 81-79. In the final attack, Split's Jordano missed a shot and then committed a foul on Palokaj, who made two free throws to seal the win for Cibona 83-79.

Marinelli missed a three-pointer in Split's final attack, and Hepa sealed the final score with one free throw.