Derby time in Višnjik! Zadar will be hosting Cibona
In the second game of the Saturday’s ABA League schedule, Zadar will be hosting Cibona in the big local derby in Krešimir Ćosić Arena in Višnjik. Who will prevail?
(Photo: Cibona/Z. Baksaj, D. Vranar, G. Lausic)
ABA League Round 19, Saturday, 9.2.2019:
Where? Krešimir Ćosić Arena, Zadar
When? 21:00
Story of the game: There are just a few games, that are attracting as much of interest of basketball fans than the good old local rivalry of Zadar and Cibona, when the team from the capital are coming to Višnjik! It will be no different this time around and there are plenty of reasons to it besides just the pride.
Zadar are currently in a difficult position as they are still placed in the danger zone near the bottom of the ABA League standings, even though they have beaten Mega Bemax last round. They are still only one victory away from Krka and Petrol Olimpija, which are placed at the bottom. Clearly, they need a victory to be able to continue the season calmly.
On the other side, Cibona are still only one victory away from Zadar, which means that for the same reason, they also need to win. However, only one of them can accomplish their goal.
Lately, both teams have been playing similarly, when speaking of results. Both Zadar and Cibona have won two games of their last five. And what about tradition? It’s convincingly at Zadar’s side – the Dalmatians have won 13 out of 16 games against Cibona at home in Zadar in the regional competition. Can they do it again or can Cibona successfully cope with tradition?
Match-up in focus: Luka Božić or Damir Markota? Ambition or experience? That’s the question ahead of the clash of these two excellent players in Višnjik. While Božić is currently leading the way for Zadar in scoring (14.3 points per game), rebounding (7.3 rebounds per game) and is third in passing (3.2 assists per game), Markota is the second-best scorer (8.9 points per game) and top rebounder (4.4 rebounds per game) of Cibona. Who would you bet on their matchup this time?
Head to head in the regional league: In total 19:14; In Zadar 13:3.
