KK Split 69, Trepca 78 — Trepca delivered one of the more controlled road performances of their FIBA Europe Cup campaign on October 15, 2026, defeating KK Split 78-69 at Arena Gripe. The visitors led for much of the night, absorbed a third-quarter Split surge, and then pulled away in the final seven minutes with better shot selection, timely three-point shooting, and a decisive edge on the defensive glass.

The result gives Trepca a valuable win in the FIBA Europe Cup regular season and strengthens their position in the group standings. For KK Split, the loss leaves little margin for error in the race for the next phase, especially with the home crowd expecting a response after a promising but ultimately incomplete comeback.

Match Overview

Trepca set the tone early by pushing the pace and attacking the paint before settling into a half-court rhythm. Split stayed within touching distance through the first quarter, but the visitors’ balanced scoring and second-chance points kept the home side chasing. By halftime, Trepca had built a six-point cushion and looked the more comfortable team on both ends.

• First quarter: KK Split 18, Trepca 22
• Second quarter: KK Split 17, Trepca 19
• Third quarter: KK Split 20, Trepca 15
• Fourth quarter: KK Split 14, Trepca 22
• Final score: KK Split 69, Trepca 78

The quarter-by-quarter line tells the story of a game that swung twice. Trepca controlled the first half, Split flipped the momentum after the break, and then Trepca restored order with a closing run that silenced the home support.

How Trepca Built the Win

Trepca’s offense was at its best when the ball moved side to side and forced Split’s defense into long rotations. The visitors finished with four players in double figures and consistently found open shooters when Split collapsed into the paint. Their pick-and-roll coverage also disrupted Split’s initial actions, forcing the Croatian side into contested mid-range attempts and late-clock decisions.

Perhaps the most important statistic was Trepca’s rebounding advantage. They won the battle on the defensive boards and limited Split’s second-chance opportunities, particularly in the fourth quarter. That rebounding control allowed Trepca to dictate tempo: when Split missed, Trepca pushed; when Split scored, Trepca remained patient enough to work for a quality look.

Key Moments and Turning Points

• Early second-quarter run: Trepca stretched its lead with a 9-2 burst, capped by a corner three that made it a double-digit game for the first time.
• Split’s third-quarter response: KK Split opened the second half with renewed energy, using a 10-3 run to briefly take the lead and bring Arena Gripe to life.
• The decisive fourth-quarter surge: With the score tied at 58-58, Trepca went on a 14-4 run over the next five minutes, effectively sealing the result.
• Clutch free throws: Trepca made its final six free-throw attempts in the last two minutes, preventing any late Split comeback.

Tactical Story: Split’s Comeback and Trepca’s Response

KK Split’s third-quarter comeback was built on defensive aggression. The home side switched more screens, trapped the ball handler on the sidelines, and turned Trepca over in transition. That energy translated into easy baskets, and for a brief stretch, Split looked like the team in control.

Trepca’s coaching staff responded by simplifying the offense. Instead of forcing early threes, they went back inside, drew help defenders, and kicked the ball to shooters with rhythm. That adjustment slowed Split’s momentum and forced the home team to defend for longer possessions. On the other end, Trepca tightened its pick-and-roll coverage and stopped Split’s guards from turning the corner. The visitors’ fourth-quarter defense was the defining factor: Split managed only 14 points in the final period and shot under 35% from the field.

Standout Players

• Valon Bunjaku (Trepca): 21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists. He controlled the tempo and made the biggest shot of the night during the fourth-quarter run.
• Jordan Ross (Trepca): 17 points, 8 rebounds. His physical drives and work on the offensive glass gave Split problems all evening.
• Ardit Pepaj (Trepca): 14 points, 4-of-7 from three-point range. His spacing was critical when Split collapsed the defense.
• Matej Rudan (KK Split): 18 points, 7 rebounds. He kept the home side alive with timely baskets in the paint and from mid-range.
• Karlo Uljarević (KK Split): 13 points, 6 assists. He sparked the