Date: March 2, 2013 Tenth-ranked Croatian Cibona (8-15) gave a tough game to second ranked Serbian Zvezda (17-6) in Beograd. Zvezda managed to secure only two-point victory 97-95. However their fans expected much easier game. Cibona was ahead by 5 points after three quarters before a 29-22 charge of Zvezda, which allowed them to win the game. They outrebounded Cibona 30-19 including a 17-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. Zvezda players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. Cibona was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was an exceptional evening for guard Igor Rakocevic (191-78) who led the winners and scored 21 points and 9 assists. American guard DeMarcus Nelson (193-85, college: Duke) accounted for 17 points and 5 assists for the winning side. Five Zvezda players scored in double figures. Zvezda's coach Vlada Vukoicic allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American guard D.J. Strawberry (196-85, college: Maryland) came up with 31 points (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field) and the other American import point guard Jerel Blassingame (175-81, college: UNLV) added 13 points and 9 assists respectively for Cibona in the defeat. Zvezda have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain second place with 17-6 record behind leader Igokea. Defending Croatian champion Cibona keeps the tenth position with 15 games lost. They share it with KK Split. Zvezda will play against HKK Siroki WWin (#12) in Siroki Brijeg in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Cibona will play at home against Un.Olimpija in Ljubljana and hopes to get back on the winning track. Top scorers: Crvena Zvezda: I.Rakocevic 21+2reb+9ast, D.Nelson 17+3reb+5ast, R.Katic 16+2reb+2ast, M.Simonovic 15+3reb, B.Savovic 13+7reb+1ast, P.Samardziski 5+2reb+2ast Cibona: D.Strawberry 31+2reb+2ast, J.Blassingame 13+2reb+9ast, D.Kus 10+1reb+3ast, D.Saric 9+7reb+2ast, M.Rozic 8+1reb+1ast, S.Nicevic 8+2reb+1ast
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