Match Preview
Even though the odds were against them, Cibona became the Croatian champions last year and are now participating in the Champions League for the first time in nine years. Can they upset the Turkish side on Tuesday?
Cibona Back in the Champions League
Cibona earned a spot in the FIBA Champions League by becoming the Croatian champions last season.
They were tagged as big underdogs in the final series against Zadar, trailing 2-1 in the series, but then staged a comeback to lift the trophy after winning Game 5 82-75 on the road.
Cibona's new campaign started with two domestic victories over Alkar 84-78 and Zabok 100-84, while they failed to force an upset in the ABA League opener against Cedevita Olimpija, losing 89-76 in Slovenia.
Galatasaray Showing Mixed Form Early On
Galatasaray had a decent run in the FIBA Champions League last season, making it to the quarterfinals, where they lost to Tenerife (won 64-62 at home, lost 99-59 in Spain).
The Istanbul side fully justified their role as favorites in the Super Lig opening round, crushing Cayirova at home 102-79, where they had full control on the boards with 37-26 rebounds and landed almost half of their three-pointers.
Galatasaray were labelled favorites once again last weekend against Karsiyaka, but barely forced overtime and ultimately lost the encounter 78-71. Oumar Ballo kept them in the game with 13 points and 15 rebounds.