An excellent second half (45-24) this evening in Zagreb, assured Maccabi Elite Tel Aviv its third “Top 16” win, 91-74 over Cibona and the top place in Group D.
A bad defensive display by Maccabi in the first half enabled Cibona to take a 44-31 leas before Maccabi recovered to close the gap to 50-46 at half time. Two 3 pointers by Saras and one by Tal Burstein, put Maccabi 58-55 up. The Maccabi defense was at its best and they won the third quarter 23-15. The last period was completely dominated by the visitors 22-9.
Maccabi managed to stop Cibona’s star Marko Popovic who scored only 8 points. After a great start from the 3 point range, Cibona made only 6-23 (26%) whilst Maccabi had 10-22 (45%). Maccabi had 61% for 2 pts to 50% by the hosts and also led the rebounds 34-26. Maccabi players dished out 22 assists to Cibona 12. Five of Maccabi players scored 15 pts and over.
Nikola Vujcic had a brilliant game on his homeland with 16 pts, (7-8 for 2 pts), 12 rbds, 5 assists & one blocked shot.