Adriatic League, Round 3 tips off
The third round of the 2015/2016 Adriatic League tipped off on Tuesday with four contests taking place across Europe, with a further three clashes on Wednesday. During the evening reigning champions Crvena Zvezda Belgrade stayed unblemished with a victory over Zadar. Another Croatian club fared better as Cedevita also continued at 100% with a win against Cibona in a Zagreb derby.
Tajfun had too much for Krka Novo Mesto in the other contest, while Partizan continued its solid start to the season with a victory over MZT Skopje.
Zadar vs. Crvena Zvezda Belgrade, 49-56
Defending Adriatic League title holders Crvena Zvezda came away from Zadar with an away win that kept the Belgrade giant unblemished so far with a 3-0 record. It was a very tight game throughout as neither team could pull ahead enough to win comfortably. Zadar was hurt by poor shooting from beyond the arc, hitting just 2 triples for 10.5% accuracy. A low scoring first half ended with Crvena Zvezda winning 23-24 and in the second half the lead continued to change hands, but the visitors extended to 35-38 in the third and then saw out the contest in the final act.
Cedevita Zagreb vs. Cibona Zagreb, 83-65
Cedevita impressed again to stay undefeated at 3-0 in the Adriatic League, beating city rival Cibona comfortably in Zagreb. The hosts showed their intent early and through ten minutes opened a 23-18 lead before Cibona dug in to tie the second frame 16-16. Cedevita built on its five point half time lead with a 21-18 winning third stanza and then killed the game in the fourth with a 23-13 run. Miro Bilan doubled up in the win with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Tajfun Sentjur vs. Krka Novo Mesto, 74-51
Tajfun swept away Krka Novo Mesto to maintain its solid start to the season, moving into third with a 2-1 record and pushing Krka down to ninth with a 1-2 record. Krka started strongly and carved out a 9-13 lead through the first quarter, looking solid in defense in the process, but in the second frame Tajfun hit back with a 19-16 run. However, the hosts trailed 28-29 through the midway rest so needed to turn the game around. That happened in the third act as Tajfun took control at both ends of the floor with a 23-12 run that made it 51-41 through thirty minutes. That double digit lead was enough to breed confidence and the home team swept to victory with a 23-10 winning fourth quarter.
Partizan NIS Belgrade vs. MZT Skopje Aerodrom, 72-69
Partizan continued to start the 2015/2016 campaign in much better shape than it did last season with a win over MZT Skopje at home. Partizan moved to 2-1, while MZT slipped to 1-2. The teams went at each other during the first quarter and the high scoring affair ended with MZT winning 23-25, and then swamped Partizan in the second frame with a 15-24 run. Partizan were stunned and losing 38-49 through the long break, but a 17-12 run got the Belgrade team back into it through thirty minutes (55-61). Partizan went tight in the fourth with a 17-8 run that clinched the victory.