Plamen Požega Women vs Ragusa Dubrovnik Women: Plamen Secure 72-63 Home Win in Prva Ženska Liga

Plamen Požega Women claimed a valuable 72-63 victory over Ragusa Dubrovnik Women in the Prva ženska liga on 18 October 2026, using a decisive third-quarter run and a composed closing stretch to protect their home court. The win gives Plamen Požega an important early-season result in the Croatian women’s basketball league, while Ragusa Dubrovnik leave Požega with a defeat despite a spirited fourth-quarter response.

The game was competitive for long stretches, but Plamen’s advantage on the boards and their ability to turn defensive stops into quick points proved to be the difference. Ragusa stayed within range through outside shooting, but the home side’s balance inside and out gave them the edge when the match reached its critical moments.

Match overview

Plamen Požega started with purpose in front of their home supporters and established an early lead by attacking the basket. Ragusa Dubrovnik responded with perimeter scoring and kept the first quarter close, but the home team maintained a narrow cushion. The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with Plamen doing just enough to stay ahead at the break.

Quarter scores:

• First quarter: Plamen Požega 18-14 Ragusa Dubrovnik
• Second quarter: Plamen Požega 17-16 Ragusa Dubrovnik
• Third quarter: Plamen Požega 20-15 Ragusa Dubrovnik
• Fourth quarter: Plamen Požega 17-18 Ragusa Dubrovnik

The halftime score of 35-30 reflected Plamen’s slight control, but the game was still very much alive. The decisive separation came after the interval, when the home side produced their best stretch of basketball to build a lead that Ragusa could not fully erase.

How the game unfolded

Plamen Požega’s offense was at its best when the ball moved through the paint. The home team consistently found scoring opportunities near the rim, whether through post-ups, drives or second-chance possessions. That interior presence forced Ragusa to collapse defensively, which in turn created space for Plamen’s shooters and cutters.

Ragusa Dubrovnik remained dangerous from beyond the arc and used outside shooting to stay in touch. Their guards worked hard to create open looks, and when the shots fell, the visitors were able to trim the deficit. However, Ragusa’s offensive rhythm was interrupted by stretches of turnovers and rushed possessions, particularly when Plamen increased the defensive pressure in the third quarter.

The third quarter proved to be the turning point. Leading 35-30 at halftime, Plamen opened the second half with a 10-2 run that pushed the advantage into double digits. The home crowd responded, and Ragusa was forced to chase the game. By the end of the third, Plamen had extended their lead to 55-45, putting them in control with ten minutes remaining.

Ragusa did not fade away. Early in the fourth quarter, the visitors put together an 8-0 surge to cut the gap to 55-53 and briefly threaten a comeback. But Plamen answered with a run of their own, scoring nine of the next eleven points to restore a comfortable cushion. From there, the home side managed the clock well and made enough free throws down the stretch to close out the 72-63 win.

Key moments

• Plamen’s third-quarter burst: A 10-2 run at the start of the second half turned a five-point halftime lead into a double-digit advantage and forced Ragusa to play from behind.
• Ragusa’s fourth-quarter push: An 8-0 run made it 55-53 and gave the visitors hope, but they could not complete the comeback.
• Plamen’s response: The home team answered Ragusa’s run with a 9-2 spurt, effectively sealing the result in the final minutes.
• Rebounding battle: Plamen’s extra possessions on the offensive glass proved costly for Ragusa, especially in the third quarter.

Tactical story

Plamen Požega’s game plan was built around controlling the paint and making Ragusa work for every shot. The home side used their size effectively, crashing the boards and forcing Ragusa into contested jumpers. On offense, Plamen were patient enough to probe the defense and often found the extra pass that led to a better look.

Ragusa Dubrovnik’s best moments came when they played with pace and moved the ball quickly around the perimeter. Their three-point shooting kept them within striking distance, but the visitors struggled to contain Plamen’s inside scoring at the other end. The free-throw line also favored the home side in the closing minutes, as Plamen converted enough attempts to keep Ragusa at arm’s length.

The tactical edge ultimately belonged to Plamen because they were able to dictate the style of the game for longer periods. Ragusa had their runs, b