July 1, 2021 - Croatia moves to the semifinals of the Olympic basketball qualifiers in Split after a dramatic win against Tunisia. 

Croatia opened their Olympic qualifying campaign on Wednesday against Brazil at Spaladium Arena in Split. After three years, Croatia's best basketball player Bojan Bogdanović played an official game in the Croatia jersey again. 

After Brazil topped Croatia in their first game of the Olympic basketball qualifiers in Split on Wednesday (94:67), Croatia and Tunisia met on Thursday. The winner of the game would go to the semifinals. 

1st quarter

Bogdanović opened the scoring for Croatia with a 2pt fadeaway jump shot for 2:3. Bogdanović made two free throws to make it 4:5. Hezonja made 2/2 free throws for 5:5. 

Croatia took the lead at 7:5 thanks to a Hezonja dunk, and a layup seconds later made it 12:5! Hezonja was on fire. Tunisia called a timeout.

Ante Žižić nailed two free throws for 14:8. Hezonja scored his 10th point of the game for 16:8 with 2:27 to go. Žižić made a 2pt layup for 18:10. A Bilan dunk ended the 1st quarter 20:11.

2nd quarter 

Jordano scored a 2pt driving layup for 22:14 at the start of the 2nd quarter. Bilan nailed two free throws for 24:16. A layup and free throw by Bilan brought Croatia to 27:16 before Bogdanović made it 29:16 with 6 minutes to go. 

Žižić scored his 5th basket thanks to a free throw for the +10  Croatia lead (30:20). A Žižić dunk made it 32:20 and a free throw 33:22. 

Hezonja recorded his 13th point with a stunning 3-pointer for 36:22. Žižić was unstoppable, too, with a tip-in for 38:25. He scored again for 40:28 with just over a minute to go. Hezonja scored for a +14 lead (42:28) which was the score at the end of the 2nd quarter. 

3rd quarter 

Ukić started the 3rd quarter with a 2pt jump shot, but Tunisia came back to score 6 points for 46:36. Croatia's comfortable lead quickly diminished and they were only up 6 (46:40). Bogdanović nailed a 3-pointer to wake Croatia up for 49:40. Tunisia was only down by 4 with 5 minutes to go - 49:45. 

Hezonja scored a free throw and a 2pt jump shot for 52:47. Croatia was only up by 2 points with 2 minutes to go - 52:50. Hezonja scored for +4 (54:50). A shocking display by Croatia saw Tunisia take the lead thanks to a 3-pointer for 56:57 to end the 3rd quarter.

4th quarter

After a dramatic start to the final quarter, Bogdanvić scored a 3-pointer to put Croatia back in the lead by 2 (59:57). A tip-in by Marčinković made it 61:57.

Žižić dunked for 63:59 and Tunisia called a timeout. Hezonja scored for 65:62 with 4 minutes to go. 

A foul on Bogdanović saw him make both free throws for +4 Croatia with just under 3 minutes to go. 

Hezonja scored for 69:65 and a Tunisia timeout was called with a minute and a half to go. Croatia was only up by 2 with 38 seconds to go. Marčinković scored a 3-pointer to save the day for 72:67. Ukić then fouled for 3 Tunisia free throws - it was 72:79 with 18 seconds to go. 

With 6 seconds to go, Hezonja scored 1/2 free throws for 73:70. The game ended at 75:70 for Croatia. 

After the group stage, there is a day of rest, and on July 3, the semifinal matches are scheduled. Croatia will play Germany in the semis on Saturday. 

The final match is scheduled for July 4 at 7:30 pm. Only the winner of the tournament will qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. Croatia's group crosses over with Germany, Russia, and Mexico.

The Split tournament and the other three hosted by Belgrade, Kaunas, and Victoria in Canada are all scheduled from June 29 to July 4, 2021. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE. 

June 30, 2021 - Brazil outshines Croatia in their first game of the Olympic basketball qualifiers in Split on Wednesday 94:67. 

Croatia opened their Olympic qualifying campaign on Wednesday against Brazil at Spaladium Arena in Split. After three years, Croatia's best basketball player Bojan Bogdanović played an official game in the Croatia jersey again. 

The tournament opened on Tuesday, June 29. In Croatia's group, Brazil, led by the former Croatia coach Aco Petrović, convincingly defeated Tunisia 83:57. In the other, Group A, Germany beat Mexico 82:76. 

1st quarter

Brazil led 4:0 at the start of the 1st quarter until Ukić scored Croatia's first basket and a 3-pointer for 4:3 with 8:20 to go. An Ukić field goal made it 10:5 before Sakić and Dreznjak came back for 12:10. With 3:37 to go, Croatia was down 23:10 before Žižić scored for 23:12 and 23:14. 

Žižić was on fire with a 2pt driving layup for 23:16!

A personal foul saw Hezonja make both free throws for 24:18 with just under two minutes to go. A 2pt jump shot from Rogić put Croatia just 4 behind at 24:20. The 1st quarter ended 25:20 for Brazil. 

2nd quarter

The 2nd quarter started with a foul drawn on Hezonja who scored both free throws to reduce Brazil's lead to +3 (25:22). Hezonja's 2pt driving layup made it 28:24 with 7:38 to go. Bogdanović re-entered the game straight after. 

Marčinković nailed a stunning 3-pointer for 31:27 with 6 minutes left. Brazil had a 10-point lead with 4 left (37:27). Ukić assisted Bilan for 37:29. 

An Ukić 3-pointer gave Croatia life again as they were behind by 5 with just over 2 minutes to go (37:32). 

Bogdanović made up for his poor play in the game thus far by nailing a 2pt jump shot for 37:34. Croatia called a timeout at 40:34 and 45 seconds to go. Brazil ended the 2nd quarter with a 3-pointer for 45:34. 

3rd quarter

The 3rd quarter started with Brazil leading 49:34. Ukić missed two free throws, but Hezonja made two soon after for 49:36. 

A Bogdanović 3-pointer made it 51:41, followed by a 2pt fadeaway jump shot for 54:43. A Žižić dunk and free throw saw Croatia come back for 54:46. 

A 3pt jump shot by Jordano slighted reduced Croatia's gap to -12 (61:49) with 3:16 to go. Bogdanović reduced it to -10 moments later (62:52). 

Bogdanović scored both free throws for 63:54 with 2 minutes to go. The 3rd quarter ended 71:55 for Brazil. 

4th quarter

Ukić opened the final quarter with a stunning 3 points for 71:58. With 7 minutes left in the game, Brazil led 79:59. 

Bogdanović nailed a 3-pointer for 84:62, but Brazil's lead was too hard to catch. It was 90:62 with just over two minutes left in the game. 

Bilan scored for 92:64, but Brazil kept increasing their lead. In the final minute of the game, it was 94:66. Dreznjak scored 1/2 free throws, and the game ended 94:67. 

Croatia plays against Tunisia at the same time tomorrow. After the group stage, there is a day of rest, and on July 3, the semifinal matches are scheduled. The final match is scheduled for July 4 at 7:30 pm. Only the winner of the tournament will qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. Croatia's group crosses over with Germany, Russia, and Mexico.

 The Split tournament and the other three hosted by Belgrade, Kaunas, and Victoria in Canada are all scheduled from June 29 to July 4, 2021. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE. 

June 26, 2021 - The Croatia basketball team has invited all fans to the Spaladium Arena in Split for the Olympic qualifying tournament next week. 

We are just four days away until Croatia's first game at the Olympic qualifying tournament in Split. The national team played four friendly matches, two against Slovenia and two against Puerto Rico, and now the final preparations are underway.

Bojan Bogdanović, who has just arrived from the NBA, also played for the national team in the last game, and now the real exams follow - against Brazil and Tunisia on June 30 and July 1, both at 8 pm. After that, Croatia will hopefully play the semifinals and final on July 3 and 4.

The Croatia basketball coach, Veljko Mršić, called on the fans to come in as many numbers as possible to support the national team:

"I would really like the hall to be filled as much as possible because we really need it. It is different to play in front of a full hall, and that is why I invite all basketball fans to come, support us and together, in synergy, win a place in the Olympic Games and enjoy those four days of top basketball."

Born in Split and captain of the national team Roko Ukić also asked for the support of the Split crowd, although he is aware that they will have to take additional steps to enter the hall:

"As much as people want to come, they don't know exactly what the situation is regarding the measures. The measures are as they are, both in our country and everywhere else. Whoever wants to come will still have to make a small personal sacrifice if we can call it that to get the necessary papers to enter the hall. We would be happiest if it weren't for that and everyone could enter only with a ticket, but the situation is the same everywhere… Despite all that, I invite people to come in as many numbers as possible and support us. We do not have the opportunity to play such big games at home every day, especially in Split. I hope that they will be a great support to us and that we will be real with them."

The Split-Dalmatia County Civil Protection Headquarters has allowed 10,000 seats at Spaladium Arena. 

"Following the agreed epidemiological measures obtained from the Split-Dalmatia County Public Health Teaching Institute, you have the consent of the Split-Dalmatia County Civil Protection Headquarters to fill the Spaladium Arena stands with full capacity with the maximum possible distance between spectators," reads the agreement.

“Furthermore, spectators, technical and organizational staff may attend the match, provided that:

- received the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine more than 14 days ago, or, in the case of a single dose vaccine, received a single dose more than 14 days ago, or
- recovered from COVID-19 no more than 180 days ago
- recovered from COVID-19 and vaccinated with at least one dose 
- negative PCR test no older than 72 hours or rapid antigen test no older than 48 hours

The organizer of the competition is obliged to control the fulfillment of the stated conditions, and it is proven by EU digital COVID confirmation or confirmation of PCR / rapid antigen test on SARS CoV2 with a QR code issued by the competent health institution," reads the decision.

TICKETS can be purchased through ulaznice.hr and at the Spaladium Arena box office.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE. 

June 25, 2021 - In the second friendly match in Split, this time closed to the public, Croatia basketball tops Puerto Rico 72:66 (22-18, 24-9, 10-17, 16-22).

Puerto Rico started attacking aggressively, jumping to a 2-9 lead, forcing coach Veljko Mršić to call a time-out. Croatia successfully completed several well-executed plays and took the lead at 11-9. There were a few more draws in the first half, but Croatia held the reins firmly in their hands, and did not allow Puerto Rico to threaten the result seriously in the remaining three quarters, reports HKS.

HKS

Croatia held the biggest advantage when they were up by 23 points at 52:29 and 54:31 in the third quarter, both times thanks to Ante Toni Žižić. By the end of the game, Puerto Rico managed to get close to a single-digit difference.

Bojan Bogdanović also officially played the first game in this cycle of preparations, scoring 12 points with 5 assists. Ante Žižić was perfectly accurate (7/7 for field goals and 4/4 free throws) with which he scored 18 points and 7 rebounds. Captain Roko Leni Ukić also hit double digits with 11 points and Miro Bilan with 10 points.

HKS

“This match was closed to the public; we tried some things to see what it would look like. This is our second game in 24 hours. The first 25 minutes were excellent, we were up by 23 points, but we gave up in the last 15 minutes. We allowed Puerto Rico a lot of attacking jumps, as well as some points from the counterattack. The defense was at a nice level, we received 66 points, and we also created quite good situations offensively. Just like yesterday, our shots were weaker. However, 20-25 shots were made well, and when the tournament comes, and we are fresh, they will go in. All in all, we are satisfied. That preparation period was not easy because we got a new player every preparation game, and we had to start from scratch again, have the training, and show actions. There was a little loss of rhythm and intensity in training. However, now we have five days left until the first game of the tournament; it's time to get well, play, do our best, and try to qualify for the Olympic Games," said Veljko Mršić, the national team coach. 

The Olympic qualifying tournament in Split is held from June 29 to July 4, and Spaladium Arena is partially open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at ulaznice.hr and the Spaladium Arena box office.

"I would really like the hall to be filled as much as possible because we really need it. It is different to play in front of a full hall, and that is why I invite all basketball fans to come, support us and together, in synergy, win a place in the Olympic Games and enjoy those four days of top basketball."

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE. 

March 17, 2021 - Croatia basketball will compete at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Split, to be held at Spaladium Arena from June 29 to July 4, 2021. 

As part of organizing the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which takes place from June 29 to July 4 at the Spaladium Arena in Split, the Croatian Basketball Federation (HKS) delegation consisting of President Stojko Vranković, Vice President Nikola Rukavina, and Secretary-General Josip Vranković held meetings in Split-Dalmatia County and the City of Split. Prefect Blaženko Boban, accompanied by the county head for social activities, sports, and culture Tomislav Đonlić, made all county resources available to organize it.

Ivica Čavka/HKS

"From Split to Tokyo, let that be the motto of our meeting. This is a demanding project, the biggest sporting event this year, and we are happy that it is being held in Split," said Boban.

Ivica Čavka/HKS

HKS President Stojko Vranković added: “Thank you for the hospitality of the County, thank you to the Government of the Republic of Croatia and Prime Minister Plenković for their support in organizing this tournament. We at HKS believe that a real Croatian basketball festival will take place in Split.”

Mayor Andre Krstulović-Opara is also happy that the Croatia national team will play in Split.

“I support the organization of the tournament with great passion and participation. When the tournament takes place, there will be another mayor, but the size of this event is significant for the City of Split and Croatia. I regret that there will probably be no fans; I’m sure the atmosphere would be fiery. The arrival of the national team in our city is a great thing. You can see from our KK Split that basketball is taking big steps forward, that is, returning to where it was," said Krstulović-Opara, who received the HKS delegation together with the head of social activities Mato Omazić, head of the sports service Igor Maretić and president of the Supervisory Board of BC Split Domagoj Maroević.

Ivica Čavka/HKS

HKS Secretary Josip Vranković presented several ideas to present Croatia basketball during the tournament.

"There will be a lot of accompanying content, which will also depend on epidemiological measures, and as an overture to this great event, we will organize the preparations of the women's national team for the European Championship and the tournament to be played at Gripe," said Vranković.

Source: HKS

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.