KK Split secured a narrow 69-66 victory over Široki Prima Pivo in a Club Friendship tournament game on September 13, 2026. In a contest defined by gritty defense and low-percentage shooting, Split’s late-game execution made the difference. The win improves Split’s preseason record and gives them momentum as they continue their preparations for the upcoming campaign.

Match Overview

Both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm early, with the first quarter ending 18-16 in favor of Split. Široki responded with a stronger second period, taking a 34-33 lead into halftime. The third quarter saw Split regain control behind a 9-2 run, but Široki clawed back to tie the game at 60-60 with six minutes remaining. The final minutes were a defensive slugfest, with Split making just enough plays down the stretch to seal the win.

Split shot 42.4% from the field, compared to Široki’s 40.3%, but the hosts won the rebounding battle 38-33 and forced 14 turnovers. Neither team shot well from three-point range, combining to go 12-of-42 (28.6%) from beyond the arc.

Key Moments

• Third-quarter run: Split opened the second half with a 9-2 spurt, capped by a dunk from their small forward, to take a 42-36 lead.
• Široki’s resilience: The visitors answered with a 12-4 run of their own, tying the game at 48-48 late in the third.
• Clutch defense: With the score 67-66 and 20 seconds left, Split’s shooting guard stole an inbound pass and drew a foul, hitting both free throws to seal the win.

Tactical Breakdown

This was a classic grind-it-out friendly, with both coaches emphasizing defense and half-court execution. Split focused on pounding the ball inside to their veteran big men, while Široki relied on pick-and-roll action to create mid-range jumpers. Split’s zone defense in the fourth quarter confused Široki, leading to three consecutive empty possessions. Offensively, Split’s patience in the half-court set paid off, as they consistently found the open man against Široki’s man-to-man defense.

Standout Performers

KK Split’s veteran forward led all scorers with 18 points and 9 rebounds, while their point guard added 14 points and 6 assists. Their center was a force on the glass with 11 rebounds. For Široki Prima Pivo, their shooting guard poured in 20 points, and their power forward recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. However, Široki’s bench was outscored 18-9 by Split’s reserves.

What It Means

KK Split will take confidence from a hard-fought win in the Club Friendship tournament, especially their ability to execute in crunch time. Široki Prima Pivo, meanwhile, will focus on improving their late-game decision-making and three-point shooting. Both teams continue their preseason schedules, with the lessons from this close contest likely to shape their rotations and strategies moving forward.