Cedevita Olimpija - Split
After splitting their two recent away games in Bar and Ankara, Cedevita Olimpija is now facing a new challenge on their home court. The Ljubljana-based team will try to bounce back from a defeat against Turk Telekom and secure their second win of the regional league this season.
Head coach Zvezdan Mitrović traveled to Munich last week due to back health issues, where he underwent tests that revealed he needed a routine procedure, which he completed on Friday. He remains in constant communication with the rest of the coaching staff and is recovering well. Updates on his return will be shared in due course.
Brytnon Lemar is entering his second week of recovery after a foot injury sustained in the second round of the BKT EuroCup against Umana Reyer in Stožice.
TICKET PURCHASE:
Tickets are available at vstopnice.olimpija.com, Eventim Slovenia, and Petrol Ticket. They can also be purchased at all Petrol gas stations across Slovenia. The ticket office in front of the arena and the doors will open at 3:00 PM. The NLB ‘Fast Entrance’ will again be available, allowing quicker access for visitors who present an NLB bank card.
In line with the “Green Five” initiative, all fans are encouraged to walk, cycle, scooter, or use public transportation to attend the game. Anyone with a ticket can ride Ljubljana public buses for free three hours before and after the game.
TV BROADCAST:
The game against Split will be broadcast live on Kanal A, Arena Sport Slovenia 1, and streamed on VOYO Slovenia. The Arena Sport studio coverage starts at 3:30 PM, and Kanal A at 3:40 PM.
PRE-GAME STATEMENTS:
“Split is a tough opponent. In the last round, they played well and defeated Crvena zvezda at home, which deserves respect. We need to watch the game footage carefully. They’re an atypical team, especially after Barret Benson’s injury, as they now play with a smaller lineup, making them more dangerous on offense. It’s crucial for us to understand their offensive play and control rebounds while also recognizing their defensive tactics, where they can be aggressive in pick-and-roll situations and switch often with their smaller lineup. I invite fans to join us at Tivoli Hall, and we’ll do our best to turn their support into a victory,” said coach Đorđe Adžić.
“Split is undoubtedly confident, especially after their win over Crvena zvezda. They will be motivated to continue their good form. We need to be ready and respond with energy. We must correct our mistakes, particularly in controlling the rebounds, and play our fast, aggressive basketball. I invite fans to join us in large numbers; we need their support to achieve another win together,” added Aleksej Nikolić.
GAME PREVIEW:
Cedevita Olimpija faces a traditionally difficult opponent in Split. Split proved this last weekend by defeating Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (85:78) after losing their first two games against Igokea m
and Budućnost VOLI. Five Split players scored double digits against Crvena zvezda, with Shannon Shorter leading with 17 points. The experienced American guard is the team’s top performer, averaging 15.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game in the regional league. David Škara and Antonio Jordano also average double figures with 14 and 12 points, respectively.
In the Croatian national league, Split has two wins. They first beat Kvarner 98:90 at home, followed by a 90:59 victory over Dubrovnik.
Cedevita Olimpija returned to Ljubljana on Wednesday after being on the road since last Friday. They first traveled to Bar, where they beat Mornar-Barsko Zlato 92:82 in the third round of the regional league, then to Ankara, where they suffered their first EuroCup loss of the season to Turk Telekom (70:78).
Despite missing eight of 22 free throws and losing the rebounding battle (24:40), Cedevita Olimpija remained competitive until the final minutes but eventually allowed the home team to claim their third EuroCup win.
Coach Đorđe Adžić, who replaced Zvezdan Mitrović as head coach, distributed playing time evenly in Ankara. The only player who didn’t play was Bine Prepelič, while none of the others played less than 11 minutes. Young Joan Beringer, who started the game, scored four points and grabbed four rebounds, while Žiga Daneu, returning after last playing against FMP, scored two points in 12 minutes. DeVante Jones, Aleksej Nikolić, Jaka Blažič, and Derek Ogbeide each scored 10 points.
Cedevita Olimpija faced Split earlier this year during the preseason, winning 94:61 in Stožice on August 25. Brynton Lemar led with 18 points, Devin Robinson added 17, and DJ Stewart contributed 13. Barret Benson led Split with 14 points, followed by Krešimir Ljubičić with 12, and Boris Tišma with 10.
ADMIRALBET ABA LEAGUE, ROUND 4
Tivoli Hall (Ljubljana, Slovenia), Saturday, October 12, at 16.00:
CEDEVITA OLIMPIJA – SPLIT (TV broadcast on Kanal A / Arena Sport 1 / VOYO Slovenia)
LOOKING AHEAD:
After the game against Split, Cedevita Olimpija will face 7Bet-Lietkabelis from Panevėžys in Stožice on Tuesday at 6:30 PM. Lietkabelis has yet to win in this season’s EuroCup. The game will feature a special theme of “#PinkOctober,” supporting the Europa Donna Slovenia organization, and all women will have free entry! Tickets are available at vstopnice.olimpija.com.
