Cibona Zagreb Edges KK Split in Classic Croatian Derby

In a tense Favbet Premijer liga encounter on May 29, 2026, Cibona Zagreb narrowly defeated KK Split 78–76 in front of a passionate home crowd. The rivalry game lived up to its billing, with neither team leading by more than seven points throughout a back-and-forth contest that came down to the final possession.

Match Overview

From the outset, both sides showed why this fixture remains the crown jewel of Croatian basketball. Cibona jumped out to an early lead behind crisp ball movement, but Split responded with an aggressive inside game that tied the score after the first quarter. The second quarter saw runs from both teams, and the game entered halftime locked at 38–38. In the third quarter, Split's outside shooting gave them a slight edge, but Cibona's defensive adjustments in the fourth quarter turned the tide.

Key Moments

• Fourth-quarter surge: Trailing by four with seven minutes left, Cibona went on a 10–2 run, capped by a driving layup and a steal that led to a fast-break dunk.
• Missed opportunity for Split: With ten seconds remaining and trailing by two, Split’s top scorer missed a contested three-pointer, and the rebound was secured by Cibona.
• Free-throw composure: Cibona’s guard calmly sank two free throws with 3.2 seconds left, forcing Split to attempt a full-court heave that fell short.

Standout Players

Cibona’s shooting guard was the game's MVP, finishing with 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including four three-pointers. His scoring burst in the fourth quarter kept his team afloat during Split’s best stretch. For Split, the center posted a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds, but his team’s 14 turnovers proved costly in a two-point loss.

Season and Rivalry Context

The victory improves Cibona’s record to 16–10, keeping them firmly in playoff contention within the Favbet Premijer liga. KK Split falls to 14–12 but remains in the top half of the table. Historically, these two clubs have met over 150 times, with Cibona holding a narrow edge in the all-time series. The intensity of this match reflects the deep-rooted rivalry between Zagreb and Split, two basketball powerhouses that have produced numerous Croatian national team stars.

Both teams will look to build on this performance as the regular season nears its conclusion, with Cibona gaining confidence from winning a close game against a direct competitor. For fans of Croatian basketball, this was another unforgettable chapter in a storied rivalry.