KK Split made a clear statement in the Favbet Premijer liga with an 81-66 road win over Dubrovnik on September 27, 2026. The visitors were sharper on both ends, controlled the glass, and pulled away with a decisive second-quarter run that turned a tight opening into a one-sided contest.

Match overview

Dubrovnik began with energy in front of their home crowd and edged the first quarter 19-17 behind aggressive drives and a pair of early three-pointers. But Split responded immediately at the start of the second period, tightening their half-court defense and forcing Dubrovnik into contested jump shots. A 25-point second quarter gave the visitors a 42-33 halftime lead, and they never surrendered momentum after the break.

• First quarter: Dubrovnik 19, Split 17
• Second quarter: Dubrovnik 14, Split 25
• Third quarter: Dubrovnik 17, Split 22
• Fourth quarter: Dubrovnik 16, Split 17
• Final: Dubrovnik 66, KK Split 81

Split extended their advantage to as many as 21 points in the third quarter. Dubrovnik trimmed the deficit to 12 late in the fourth, but the visitors answered with a calm possession and two free throws to end any comeback hopes.

Key moments

The game turned in the final five minutes of the first half. Trailing 29-28, Split went on a 14-2 run that included back-to-back transition layups, a corner three, and a put-back after an offensive rebound. That burst made it 42-31 and forced Dubrovnik into a timeout. Out of the break, Split opened the third quarter with an 8-0 run to push the lead beyond 20.

Dubrovnik’s best stretch came midway through the fourth, when a 9-2 run cut the lead to 12. But Split’s composure at the free-throw line and a timely steal from their starting guard snuffed out the rally.

Tactical story

Split’s game plan was built on defensive pressure and rebounding. They switched aggressively on screens, denied easy entry passes into the post, and forced Dubrovnik into long two-point attempts. On offense, Split played through their guards, using high ball screens to create mismatches and then attacking the closeout. Their transition game was especially effective: once Dubrovnik missed, Split pushed the ball before the defense could set.

Dubrovnik struggled with turnovers and second-chance points. Their half-court offense became predictable, relying on isolation plays that Split’s help defense swallowed up. The home side also shot poorly from beyond the arc, which allowed Split to pack the paint and limit driving lanes.

Standout performers

Split’s starting point guard dictated the tempo with a composed all-around game, mixing penetration with timely passes to the corners. Their power forward was a force on the glass, finishing with a double-double and altering several shots at the rim. Off the bench, a wing shooter provided a crucial spark during the decisive second-quarter run.

For Dubrovnik, the center battled throughout and was the team’s most reliable scorer in the paint, but foul trouble limited his minutes in the second half. The shooting guard showed flashes with a few tough finishes, yet Dubrovnik never found a consistent third scorer to match Split’s balanced attack.

Season impact and standings

The win gives KK Split an important early-season road result and reinforces their credentials as a team capable of competing near the top of the Favbet Premijer liga table. For Dubrovnik, the loss is a reminder that offensive consistency and ball security will be critical if they are to climb the standings. The head-to-head result also gives Split a useful tiebreaker advantage should the teams finish close together later in the campaign.