The result was particularly significant for Split, who entered the fourth round knowing that another defeat could seriously damage their chances of reaching the next stage. Facing one of the group's strongest opponents, the Yellow and Blacks responded with greater energy, improved attacking efficiency and the composure required to win a closely contested European match.
Lithuanian forward Mindaugas Kačinas emerged as Split's leading scorer with 23 points, including five successful three-pointers from eight attempts. Slovenian playmaker Matic Rebec contributed 18 points and 11 assists, while American guard Nick Johnson finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Their combined contributions helped Rančić's team overcome a difficult opponent and improve their group-stage record to two wins and two defeats.
Third-Quarter Surge Changes the Game
The opening half was closely contested, with Promitheas making a slightly stronger start and establishing an advantage during the first quarter. The Greek visitors used their physical presence and attacking movement to create opportunities, while Split remained competitive through quick ball circulation and contributions from several players. Promitheas took the opening quarter 22–19, but the narrow margin reflected how evenly matched the teams were during the early exchanges.
Split improved during the second period, increasing their defensive intensity and preventing the visitors from building a comfortable lead. Rebec played an important role in organising the attack, repeatedly finding teammates in favourable scoring positions, while Kačinas began demonstrating his shooting ability from beyond the arc. Despite those encouraging signs, Promitheas retained a narrow 40–38 advantage at half-time, leaving the contest finely balanced.
The decisive change arrived after the interval, when Split produced an exceptional third-quarter performance that transformed the momentum of the encounter. Rančić's players increased their defensive pressure, disrupted Promitheas' attacking rhythm and began converting opportunities with greater consistency. Their improved execution allowed them to turn a five-point deficit at 47–52 into a commanding 65–53 advantage through a remarkable 18–1 scoring run.
Kačinas was particularly influential during this period, punishing the visitors with accurate perimeter shooting and forcing the Greek defence to adjust its approach. Rebec continued controlling the tempo, while Johnson contributed important points and rebounds as Split began to dominate both ends of the court.
The Croatian team won the third quarter 31–21, entering the final period with a 69–61 advantage. Although the margin was far from decisive, the eight-point lead rewarded Split's improved performance and placed considerable pressure on Promitheas to respond.
The third-quarter turnaround was particularly encouraging because Split had previously struggled to maintain consistency against high-quality European opponents. Their ability to produce an extended scoring run and defend effectively during the most important period demonstrated the progress Rančić and his coaching staff have been seeking.
Promitheas Fight Back Before Split Hold Their Nerve
Despite trailing by eight points entering the final quarter, Promitheas refused to surrender. The Greek visitors gradually reduced the deficit through aggressive attacking play and improved defensive organisation, taking advantage of several mistakes by the home side. Their comeback ensured that the contest remained uncertain until the closing seconds, with the atmosphere at Gripe becoming increasingly tense.
Split initially struggled to maintain the attacking rhythm that had characterised their dominant third quarter. Promitheas increased their pressure on the ball, forced difficult decisions and gradually moved closer on the scoreboard. The visitors also benefited from individual contributions by their leading players, particularly Tyree Williams and Panagiotis Kalaitzakis, who helped keep their team within reach.
However, Kačinas again delivered when Split needed him most. The Lithuanian forward scored five consecutive points late in the fourth quarter, helping the hosts establish a five-point advantage with less than a minute remaining. His ability to convert under pressure proved essential during a period when Promitheas threatened to complete a remarkable comeback.
The Greek side responded once more, reducing the deficit to 83–82 following a basket by Coleman. With the result hanging in the balance, Rebec demonstrated his composure at the free-throw line, converting important attempts to protect Split's narrow advantage.
Trenton McLaughlin then produced the decisive defensive play, stealing possession before converting a driving basket and an additional free throw to seal the victory with approximately five seconds remaining. The late sequence secured an 88–82 result and sparked celebrations among the home supporters, who had witnessed one of Split's most important victories of the season.
The dramatic conclusion highlighted the difference between creating an advantage and successfully protecting it against experienced European opposition. Although Split allowed Promitheas to recover from a 12-point deficit, the home side eventually demonstrated the composure and individual quality required to finish the match successfully.
Rančić Praises Mature Team Performance
Split head coach Damir Rančić expressed satisfaction with the response from his players, particularly their energy, discipline and ability to remain composed during the most demanding moments. The Croatian coach revealed that the team had held several internal meetings in the days leading up to the encounter, attempting to address weaknesses and restore confidence after some disappointing recent performances.
Rančić believed those discussions had produced a positive reaction, with his players demonstrating greater determination and following their tactical instructions more consistently. He was especially pleased with the team's collective effort, as several players made important contributions beyond the leading scorers. The victory also suggested that Split are capable of competing successfully against strong European opponents when maintaining defensive intensity and attacking efficiency.
The performance of Rebec was particularly important because of his ability to control the tempo and create opportunities for teammates. His 11 assists demonstrated the value of organised playmaking, while his perfect eight-for-eight shooting from the free-throw line provided crucial points during the closing stages. Kačinas, meanwhile, combined accurate perimeter shooting with composure under pressure, producing the decisive scoring contributions when Promitheas threatened to overturn the result.
Johnson's contribution was equally valuable, even though he finished behind Kačinas and Rebec in scoring. His nine rebounds helped Split compete physically against the Greek visitors, while his five assists offered another dimension to the team's attacking organisation. McLaughlin's late defensive intervention provided the finishing touch to a performance built on collective determination rather than individual brilliance alone.
Split Remain in Contention for European Qualification
The victory improved Split's FIBA Europe Cup record to two wins and two defeats, keeping the Croatian club firmly involved in the battle for qualification from Group A. Following four rounds, German side Gladiators Trier lead the standings with a perfect 4–0 record, followed by Trepça with three victories. Split occupy third place, level on wins with Promitheas, meaning the race for the remaining qualification positions remains competitive.
Under the 2026/27 FIBA Europe Cup format, 48 clubs compete in eight groups of six during the regular season. Each team faces its group opponents home and away, with the top two from each group advancing to the second round. The expanded competition format means consistency across ten matches is essential, particularly when teams are separated by narrow margins in the standings.
For Split, their remaining schedule presents both opportunities and challenges. Rančić's team will next travel to Georgia to face BC Batumi on November 4 before hosting Czech representatives BK Opava at Gripe on November 11. Those fixtures could prove particularly important because both opponents currently sit below the Croatian side in the standings.
Further matches against Trepça, Gladiators Trier and Promitheas will provide demanding tests later in the group stage. Split must also balance their European ambitions with domestic commitments, including an upcoming Croatian league encounter against Cibona Zagreb. Managing that schedule effectively will require careful squad rotation and continued contributions from players beyond the starting lineup.
The victory against Promitheas has provided valuable encouragement after a challenging European start, but the Croatian side cannot afford to rely on isolated performances. Their defeat against Trier demonstrated the level required to compete against the strongest teams in the group, while the loss to Trepça highlighted the importance of protecting home court.
Maintaining the energy and concentration displayed against Promitheas will be essential if Split hope to improve their position over the remaining six rounds. In a competition where only two teams from each group advance, every result could have significant consequences for the final standings.
Split's 88–82 victory over Promitheas represents an important turning point in their European campaign. Inspired by Kačinas' shooting, Rebec's playmaking and a decisive third-quarter scoring run, the Croatian side demonstrated that they can overcome strong opposition through collective determination and disciplined basketball. With qualification still within reach, Rančić and his players now have an opportunity to build on one of their most encouraging performances of the season.
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