Zadar start the new year with a win against SC Derby

2023/24 AdmiralBet ABA League Round 15, Tuesday, 9 January 2024:

ZADAR - SC Derby 79:73 (18:21, 21:12, 24:19, 16:21)

PHOTO GALLERY
POST-GAME COMMENTS

Game recap: Zadar has gotten an important win in their playoff hunt as they beat SC Derby on their home court to close out round 15. 

The blue-and-whites were the ones that opened the game up better, they controlled the lead for the opening five minutes of the game, following the TV timeout SC Derby took control of the rest of the quarter and rushed their way to a 3-point advantage after the opening quarter (18:21). The opening half was a back-and-forth affair, Zadar managed to take control of the advantage in the final minutes before halftime after an 8:2 run to end the quarter. Zadar continued their tempo in the second half, they ran away to a double-digit advantage and ended the quarter with a 13-point lead. Zadar continued to build their advantage throughout the second half to secure their eighth win of the season. 

Key moments: In the third quarter Danijel Jusup's squad ran away with the game in the third quarter following a crucial run. They went on a 10:2 run which gave them a 13-point advantage late in the third quarter. SC Derby had no response to Zadar in the second half thus the home side locking up the win. 

Man of the match: When Zadar plays we are used to Luka Božić being the man of the match, but tonight Zadar's main man was Lovro Mazalin, he had a terrific game scoring a game-high 23 points to go along with 7 rebounds and 2 assists. 

Can't hide the stats: Free throws were a major difference in tonight's game, Zadar managed to get to the charity stripe effectively tonight. Zadar made twice as many free throws as SC Derby, hitting 14 shots from the line while SC Derby went to the free throw line just 9 times tonight.