A Decisive EuroCup Night Awaits the Dragons in Stožice

Cedevita Olimpija face a game that will determine the Dragons’ future in the BKT EuroCup in the 2025/26 season. On Wednesday at 19:00, the Ljubljana side will host German team NINERS Chemnitz in the Round of 16 at Arena Stožice. Only the winner of Wednesday’s game will advance to the quarterfinals. Tickets for the game are still available at vstopnice.olimpija.com.

The Cedevita Olimpija senior team is entering the decisive phase of the 2025/26 competitive season in the BKT EuroCup. The Dragons face a Round of 16 clash against the German side NINERS Chemnitz that will determine whether their season continues. A victory over the German team would bring a quarterfinal matchup against JL Bourg in France, while a defeat would mean the end of the European campaign. Tip-off in Stožice on Wednesday is scheduled for 19:00, while arena doors and the largest fan zone so far will open at 17:30.

In the regular season of the competition, Cedevita Olimpija collected 12 wins in 18 games, while Chemnitz recorded nine victories. The Slovenian champions finished the regular season third in Group A, very close to securing a direct quarterfinal berth, while the German team finished sixth in Group B.

Cedevita Olimpija enters Wednesday’s clash with strong momentum. On Sunday, the Dragons defeated Dubai Basketball 93:80 in the second round of the second stage of the AdmiralBet ABA League. It marked the second win this season for the Ljubljana team against a EuroLeague-level opponent in Stožice. The team from the Slovenian capital thus took a decisive step toward securing a playoff spot in the regional competition, where Dubai and Partizan Mozzart Bet have already qualified. Partizan will also be Olimpija’s next opponent in the ABA League.

The Ljubljana side is playing in the EuroCup playoffs for the second consecutive season, aiming to go one step further than last year. In the 2024/25 season, Olimpija’s hopes of reaching the final four were ended by Bahçeşehir, who defeated Zvezdan Mitrović’s team in Istanbul after a comeback and dramatic finish. Now Cedevita Olimpija enters the playoffs highly motivated, hoping that the stands of Arena Stožice will be packed on Wednesday and that the largest sports arena in Slovenia will create an atmosphere talked about across European sport.

Due to injuries, Miha Cerkvenik and Luka Brajković will definitely miss the game. Thomas Kennedy did not play on Sunday after re-injuring his ankle during warm-ups, and trained under an adjusted program on Monday. The same applies to DJ Stewart, who received an unpleasant knock during one of the final practices before the game against Dubai.

To avoid congestion in the Stožice parking garage, all visitors are advised to arrive early — at least 60 minutes earlier than usual — and to use public transportation if possible. With a game ticket, fans can use Ljubljana Public Transport buses free of charge for three hours before and three hours after the game.

If attending by car, fans are encouraged to park at nearby lots around Stožice (Žale I, II, III, IV, V, Kranjčeva and Gosarjeva). The garage next to Stožice Arena will be open only until the limited number of spaces is filled.

Tickets

Tickets for the game are available at vstopnice.olimpija.com, through Eventim Slovenia, and at Petrol gas stations across Slovenia.

The ticket office and arena doors will open at 17:30. The NLB “Fast Entrance” will once again be available, allowing quicker access for fans who present an NLB bank card before entering the arena.

Game Day Activities

Wednesday’s basketball spectacle in Stožice will feature numerous prize games, partner activations, giveaways in the stands, and a diverse fan zone for all generations. The evening will not only be exciting on the court but also around it, with many entertainment opportunities already available in the fan zone — the largest so far. Activities will again take place in the areas near Entrances A and C in the green section of the arena.

It promises to be a night not to be missed. With loud support from the stands, the Dragons will need the crowd’s energy from the first to the last second as they chase a place in the EuroCup quarterfinals.

On-Court Entertainment

A variety of activities will accompany the action on the court throughout the game.

• In the first quarter, partner Heka will provide entertainment with a blower challenge.

• In the second quarter, Spar will host a free throw contest.

During halftime, fans will be able to participate in several challenges:

• Union – three-point shooting contest

• Cedevita – puzzle challenge

• Petrol – barrel game

In the third quarter, Bunker Barbers will organize a prize giveaway, followed by an activation by Šport Ljubljana.

The break between the third and fourth quarter will feature a half-court shot contest presented by Zavarovalnica Triglav, while Sport Vision will organize a fan prize game during the final part of the game.

Special Gifts in the Stands

The stands will also be lively. A special focus will be placed on the men’s stand, where fans will receive gifts from partners.

• Heka – sachets and fans

• GA Adriatic – test drive leaflets

• Naturavit – premium body care gift

• Pivovarna Union – voucher for a free drink

At the end of the game, Heka will also reward the fan who correctly predicts the top scorer with a signed jersey and Heka goodie bag, while another Heka goodie bag will be awarded through the 6.Zmaj app.

Fan Zone for All Generations

The fan zone will also offer a wide range of activities for all ages.

Fans can enjoy:

• face painting

• a basketball obstacle course

• a two-hoop game

The youngest fans will be able to create coloring pages, banners, and diplomas.

Naturavit will present products for men, while Spar will host Spar Pong and a wheel of fortune.

Heka will set up a photo booth with gifts, and visitors will also be able to visit the fan shop.

Additional Partner Activations

Additional activities include:

• GA Adriatic / Renault / Pleško Cars – prize game and photo point with a vehicle

• Bunker Barbers – pop-up barbershop

• Sole Cleanic – shoe cleaning station

• Sport Vision – cornhole game and interactive QR code

• Decathlon – fan zone presence

• Score or Not interactive game

Special Reward for Fans

A special promotion will also be offered by Čewapi. If the opposing team misses two consecutive free throws during the game, all ticket holders will be entitled to a free portion of five ćevapi the following day.

Fans can therefore expect an evening filled with basketball, entertainment, prizes, and interactions with club partners.

TV Broadcast

The Round of 16 EuroCup game against Chemnitz will be broadcast live on Šport TV 1, with the studio show starting at 18:15.

Game Preview

Cedevita Olimpija delivered strong performances during the 2025/26 EuroCup regular season, finishing with 12 wins and six losses, placing them among the top teams in Group A. The Ljubljana side repeatedly confirmed its quality throughout the season, highlighted by a convincing 108:74 win over Śląsk Wrocław, as well as important victories against BAXI Manresa and Hapoel Jerusalem.

Strong defense, along with persistence and fighting spirit, has become a trademark of Zvezdan Mitrović’s team. The Dragons also defeated Cluj and Aris Thessaloniki both home and away. For most of the season, the team from the Slovenian capital was competing for the top of the group standings and secured a favorable position heading into the knockout stage.

After the international break, the Dragons returned to the court on Sunday, hosting Dubai Basketball in the second round of the ABA League championship stage. Despite a weakened roster — missing DJ Stewart, Thomas Kennedy, Luka Brajković, and Miha Cerkvenik — the Ljubljana team controlled the tempo throughout the game in Stožice.

Dubai only briefly held a minimal advantage in the second and third quarters, while the teams were close early in the final period when the scoreboard showed 75:74 for Cedevita Olimpija. The Dragons responded with a 10:2 run, pulled away, and ultimately defeated the EuroLeague playoff contender 93:80.

Five players scored in double figures:

• Umoja Gibson – 20 points

• Aleksej Nikolić – 17 points

• Cameron Houindo – 16 points, 6 rebounds (season-best performance)

• Matthew Hurt – 13 points, 9 rebounds

• David Škara – 13 points

Ognjen Jaramaz made his official debut for Cedevita Olimpija, finishing with 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists.

Opponent Overview

NINERS Chemnitz finished the EuroCup regular season with a 9–9 record in Group B. The German club demonstrated strong competitiveness throughout the season, defeating Beşiktaş, JL Bourg-en-Bresse, Trento, Ulm, and Lietkabelis.

The team coached by Rodrigo Pastore remained in the race for the playoffs throughout the season, confirming its status as one of the most dangerous teams in Group B and the entire EuroCup. Although Chemnitz trails Cedevita Olimpija in most statistical categories after 18 regular-season games, that does not mean they will not be a dangerous opponent on Wednesday in Stožice.

Their most productive player is Kevin Yebo, averaging:

• 17.8 points

• 6.6 rebounds

• 2.3 assists

Other double-digit scorers include:

• Corey Davis Jr. – 13.1 points, 5.9 assists

• Amadou Sow – 11.9 points, 5.1 rebounds (former Cedevita Olimpija player)

• Roman Bedime – 10.3 points, 4.3 rebounds (in three games)

Chemnitz had more time to prepare for the matchup, as they last played in the German league on Friday, losing 69:81 to Würzburg.

Statistical Comparison

BKT EuroCup – Round of 16

Arena Stožice (Ljubljana, Slovenia), Wednesday, March 11, at 19:00:
CEDEVITA OLIMPIJA – NINERS CHEMNITZ (Tickets available; TV broadcast on Šport TV 1)

Looking Ahead

The winner of Wednesday’s game will face JL Bourg in the EuroCup quarterfinals next Tuesday at 19:30 in Bourg, France.

Before that, the Dragons face another major challenge in the ABA League, traveling to Belgrade on Sunday at 13:00 to face Partizan Mozzart Bet in the third round of the second stage.