KK Split edged Široki Prima Pivo 69-66 in a tight, defensive-minded contest at the Club Friendship tournament, holding off a late rally to claim a three-point victory. In a game where neither side ever led by more than nine points, Split's execution in the final two minutes proved decisive.

It was a fixture that showcased the value of friendly competition: two recognised regional clubs testing their rotations, their defensive schemes and their late-game nerve before the serious business of the domestic season begins. The narrow scoreline suggests both coaching staffs got exactly what they wanted from the exercise.

Match overview: a grind from start to finish

The opening quarter set the tone for the evening. Both teams defended with intensity, contested every screen and forced opponents deep into the shot clock. Split found a little rhythm late in the first period to take a slender lead, but Široki Prima Pivo answered immediately, and the margin never grew beyond a couple of possessions for the rest of the half.

The third quarter was where Split created their winning buffer. A sustained run built on defensive stops and efficient inside scoring pushed the lead to nine, the biggest of the game. Široki responded well, tightening up at the defensive end and chipping away at the deficit through the fourth, but they ran out of time — a final three-point attempt to tie fell short in the closing seconds.

Quarter-by-quarter breakdown

The pattern of the game is clear from the quarter scores: an even first half, a decisive third period for Split, and a determined Široki fightback in the fourth that ultimately came up just short.

Tactical story: defence sets the agenda

Neither team shot the ball particularly well, and that was largely a product of how both defences performed. Split's half-court defence was compact and well organised, closing driving lanes and forcing Široki into contested perimeter attempts. On the other end, Široki's physicality inside made life difficult for Split's big men, who had to work hard for every basket in the paint.

The difference came in transition and second-chance points. Split were more aggressive on the offensive glass during their third-quarter run, and their guards pushed the ball intelligently after defensive rebounds, creating easier looks before Široki's defence could set. In a game decided by three points, those extra possessions were the margin.

Key moments

• Late first quarter: Split closed the period with a short run to take a two-point lead into the break, capitalising on two Široki turnovers.
• Third-quarter surge: A 19-14 period gave Split their largest lead of the night at nine points, built on defensive stops and interior scoring.
• Fourth-quarter rally: Široki cut the deficit to two with under a minute to play, forcing Split into a tense final possession.
• Closing seconds: Split iced the win at the free-throw line, and Široki's last attempt to tie rimmed out.

Standout performers

KK Split's guard play drove the victory. Their point guard controlled the tempo throughout, limiting turnovers and making smart decisions in the pick-and-roll, while their shooting guard provided timely scoring during the decisive third-quarter run. Up front, Split's centre anchored the defence with strong rim protection and finished efficiently around the basket.

Široki Prima Pivo's best work came from their forwards, who competed hard on the boards and kept the offence afloat during the difficult third period. Their late-game execution was excellent — patient possessions, good shot selection and aggressive drives that drew fouls — and it very nearly produced a comeback win.

Team statistics at a glance

What the result means

For KK Split, the win is a useful marker of progress. Winning a low-scoring, physically demanding game by making plays down the stretch is exactly the kind of habit coaches want to see built before the competitive season begins. The rebounding