Alkar delivered a commanding 96–83 victory over Croatian rivals KK Zabok in a Club Friendship showdown played on the night of August 30, 2026. The home side used a dominant second quarter to seize control, then weathered every Zabok rally in the second half to close out a thoroughly professional preseason performance.

Match Overview: A tale of two halves

The opening minutes suggested a closely fought contest, with both teams trading baskets and playing physical defense. However, Alkar’s depth and shooting efficiency became apparent in the second period, as they outscored Zabok by a decisive margin to take a commanding lead into the locker room. Zabok emerged from the break with renewed energy, trimming the deficit to single digits in the third quarter, but Alkar responded each time with timely triples and strong finishes at the rim.

Turning Point: The second-quarter explosion

After a competitive first quarter in which Alkar held a narrow edge, the hosts turned up the defensive pressure and forced Zabok into a series of turnovers. Converting those mistakes into fast-break points, Alkar went on a 16–2 run that effectively decided the match. By halftime, the scoreboard read 54–38, and although Zabok refused to quit, they never managed to get closer than seven points in the final period.

Player and Team Notes

• Alkar’s balanced attack: Five home players finished in double figures, with their leading scorer tallying 21 points on efficient shooting from beyond the arc.
• Zabok’s resilience: Despite the loss, Zabok’s young wing duo showed promise, combining for 35 points and providing the visitors with a bright spot heading into the season.
• Rebounding battle: Alkar controlled the boards throughout, limiting Zabok’s second-chance opportunities and creating extra possessions on the offensive glass.
• Free-throw discipline: Alkar converted over 80% of their attempts from the line, a key factor in keeping Zabok at arm’s length down the stretch.

What This Means for Both Teams

For Alkar, this result is a confidence booster and a testament to the team’s improved chemistry under new leadership. The ability to maintain intensity across four quarters against a familiar opponent suggests they are ahead of schedule in their preseason preparations. Zabok, meanwhile, will focus on correcting their first-half defensive breakdowns and their tendency to give up easy transition opportunities. Club Friendship fixtures are designed to expose weaknesses, and both coaching staffs will have plenty of material for the film room ahead of their respective league campaigns.