Cedevita retains Croatian title for fourth consecutive crown

Cedevita downed Cibona in a clash of the Zagreb giants to claim the decisive game in the Croatia A1 title series and claim the league crown. With the 75-78 win, Cedevita defended its crown and made it a four-peat of championships.

More importantly, it extended the clubs dominant grip on Croatian hoops, which extends back 2014. It is worth remembering that Cibona remains the all-time league leader with 18 titles, but this is definitely the era of Cedevita Zagreb.

Heading into the deciding fifth game, Cedevita had the momentum after tying the series 2-2 in Game 4. However, Cibona had the home advantage, so it was a hard game to call. That was extended to the hardwood as the teams played out a close contest.

The hosts started marginally better and claimed an 18-15 first quarter, before Cedevita addressed the deficit with a 12-15 run in the second that made it 30-30 on the scoreboard through halftime. Cedevita made it count with a massive third act where the visitors poured in 28 points to 16 to extend to 46-58 through thirty minutes. The game looked done, but Cibona made an excellent effort to rally with a 29-20 fourth quarter. The defending champs were undoubtedly rattled, but held on for the win.

Ryan Boatright dropped 22 points in the win, while Miro Bilan added 12 points.

Luka Zoric claimed 18 points in the losing effort, followed by Scottie Reynolds and Zeljko Sakic added 13 points apiece.