Thriller in Zagreb: Cipcic Secures Dramatic Victory for Studio Zagreb

Studio Zagreb won a thrilling 82-80 game against Rilski Sportist that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. Like their encounter less than two weeks ago in Bulgaria, this was another incredibly close, hard-fought battle. The game featured 14 lead changes and 11 ties, underscoring how evenly matched the teams were.

Studio Zagreb opened the game in style, firing on all cylinders to take a 17-9 lead midway through the first quarter, their biggest lead of the match. However, Rilski Sportist responded quickly and edged ahead 24-23 by the end of the opening period. After a 36-36 tie, the Bulgarian side went on an 8-0 run to build their maximum lead of the game at 46-38.

The Croatian squad fought back in the third quarter. Thanks to a 10-0 run, they turned the tables to lead 57-54. They later seized complete control of the momentum with a crucial 12-3 surge – highlighted by seven points from Marta Ostojic – to push the score to 74-68.

As Studio Zagreb seemed poised to pull away, Rilski Sportist answered. With only a minute and a half left, Denitza Manolova tied the game at 80-80 with an incredible four-point play in a single possession. She made her first free throw, missed the second, grabbed her own offensive rebound, scored under a foul, and converted the additional free throw.

After both teams wasted their next possessions, the drama peaked. With only three seconds left, Dora Cipcic grabbed a crucial offensive rebound and scored from under the basket to put Studio Zagreb up 82-80. After a timeout, the Bulgarians attempted a desperation three-pointer, but Marie Kenembeni missed, sealing the victory for the home team.

Dora Cipcic was absolutely unstoppable, finishing with a game-high 27 points on a perfect shooting night (11-11 2P, 1-1 3P, 2-2 FT) and adding 4 rebounds for a team-high efficiency of 33. Marta Ostojic added 17 points, Lea Gojkovic had 14 points, and Blaza Ceh orchestrated the offense with 13 points and 11 assists.

Denitza Manolova led the visitors with 21 points and 6 rebound. Marie Kenembeni added 17 points, and Radina Ilieva chipped in 11 points in a losing effort.

2026-27 WABA League – Group A

Thursday, October 15

Studio Zagreb-Rilski Sportist 82-80 (23-24, 20-26, 21-15, 18-15)   FULL STATS   FULL GAME VIDEO   GALLERY

Danica Talajic, Head coach of Studio Zagreb:

Denitza Manolova, Rilski Sportist: