Before the game, coach Pini Gershon said that because of the “hard rims” at the Zagreb Arena. Maccabi will not make 90 pts and will have to put more into defense. Eventually Maccabi scored 94 points but this was mainly due to their superb defense. This was Cibona`s first home setback this season and sends Maccabi to the top of Group B with the same number of wins (7) as Lietuvos Rytas & Efes Pilsen. Cibona`s coach, Drazen Anzulovic, did not expect such a defense and already in the first quarter, it was clear that his team is not prepared for such a game. The point guard Scoonie Penn, that terrorized Maccabi at the NOKIA Arena, was shutout by Derrick Sharp and thus the whole offensive plan of his team, was destroyed. Maccabi led 26-19 at the end of the period and won the second 29-15. At half time Maccabi led 55-34 with 71% FG and continued in the third to reach 78-44. So coach Gershon gave playing time to Kirk Penney & young Omri Casspi, who scored his first Euroleague point. Maccabi had 62% FG and completely dominated the rebound (42-25). They made 17 assists, 12 steals and 2 blocked shots. This was a team achievement but there were some excellent individual performances. Will Solomon scored 21 pts in 80% FG, made 4 steals and dished out 2 assists. Maceo Baston scored 16 pts in 80% FG, pulled down 8 rbds and dished out 3 assists. Anthony Parker had 13 pts. 7 rbds. 3 ast, and 3 stls. An excellent game also for Yaniv Green with 11 pts & 9 rbds. Other Maccabi scorers: Burstein 10 pts & 7 rbds, Vujcic 9, Shason 5, Sharp 5, Penney 3, Casspi 1 point.