By Milan Lazarevic
Dramatic finish in Croatian play-off. As it was expected, Zadar and Cibona will fight for big title, but their road to finale was everything but an easy one. Cibona won 2:0 in series with Zagreb after real thriller in rematch when Krunoslav Simon had 10 seconds to become a hero, but he missed for a big win.
Scoonie Penn played magnificently whole series, and it can be freely said that this achievement is his own success. At the other side Zadar had lot of problems with Split. Julius Johnson missed crucial free throws in 2nd game and let Split to equalize on 1:1, but in 3rd match which was deciding everything, Zadar woke up from deep dreams and totally demolished Split with +26 win.
After perfect start (19:2) and +37 during match, there was no help for ex European Champions. Cibona’s contract with ULEB came to the end, so National title will not bring only satisfaction to the winners. This will be battle for Euroleague place…
4.6.2006
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 vs Scoonie Penn (CIB) (goodyear).jpg&title=Dean+Oliver+(Zadar)+and+Scoonie+Penn+(Cibona)+for+big+title+(photo:+goodyear+league+pictures)',800,600); "Dean Oliver (Zadar) and Scoonie Penn (Cibona) for big title (photo: goodyear league pictures)")
