The ABA League resumed after the national cup competitions and the FIBA window break. In the second round of the Top 8 phase, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet defeated U-BT Cluj-Napoca 85-97 on the road, bouncing back after a EuroLeague loss to Bayern Munich, according to EuroHoops.net.
Codi Miller-McIntyre made the difference, scoring 27 points on 7/9 shooting from beyond the arc, along with six assists and five rebounds. Jared Butler followed with 13 points, while Stevan Miljenović, Jordan Nwora and Semi Ojeleye added 11 each.
On the other side, Iverson Molinar led Cluj-Napoca with 25 points, Deron Russell added 14, Trey Woodbury chipped in with 11, and Dušan Miletić scored 10.
Another EuroLeague team was also in action in the ABA League, but with less success than Crvena Zvezda – Dubai lost on the road to Cedevita Olimpija 93-80.
Umoja Gibson shined with 20 points and eight assists for Zvezdan Mitrović’s team, Aleksej Nikolić added 17 points, while talented Frenchman Cameron Houindo scored 16 points with six rebounds. On the other side, Džanan Musa had 15 points, Mfiondu Kabengele added 14, while Klemen Prepelič and Dwayne Bacon scored 11 points each.
Meanwhile, Partizan recorded a dominant 96–56 road win over Bosna in Sarajevo, moving past Dubai to take first place in the ABA standings.
Without top scorer Duane Washington, Joan Peñarroya’s team dominated from the start, eventually hitting 16 three-pointers on 34 attempts. Sterling Brown had 21 points, Dylan Osetkowski added 18 and Shake Milton 17 as Partizan improved to 17–1.
ABA Top 8 results
Cedevita Olimpija – Dubai 93-80
Buducnost – Igokea 99-67
Cluj-Napoca – Crvena zvezda 85-97
Bosna – Partizan 56-96
In a season where Cluj basketball aims to shatter performance barriers in the EuroCup and domestic competitions, the arrival of Iverson Molinar at U-BT has provided the necessary ‘spark’ for an offensive system built on pace and transition. The Panamanian guard, possessing a solid background in American collegiate basketball and the G-League, has rapidly become one of the most spectacular players to grace the hardwood of the BT Arena in recent years.
A Pure Scorer’s Profile: Explosiveness and Technique
Iverson Molinar is not merely a traditional playmaker; he is a modern ‘slasher’, capable of destabilising any defence with his lightning-fast first step. Hailing from Panama, Molinar was forged in the NCAA system at Mississippi State, where he honed his ability to finish under immense pressure, according to SportinCluj.ro.
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Attacking the Paint: One of his greatest attributes is the courage to drive to the basket, regardless of the size of the opposing defenders. His ability to finish with either hand or to draw fouls makes him a nightmare for opposition centres.
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The Pull-up Jumper: Molinar possesses excellent body control, allowing him to stop instantly out of a dribble for a mid-range shot—a lethal weapon in European basketball where spaces are often tighter than in the USA.
Integration into Mihai Silvășan’s System
For the Cluj head coach, Molinar represents the piece that allows the team to play a high-tempo brand of basketball. In a league like Romania’s, where defensive rigour is high, his ability to create numerical advantages from one-on-one situations is vital.
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Pick-and-Roll Management: Iverson has shown surprising maturity in reading the game, frequently finding the team’s big men with incisive assists when the opposing defence collapses to block his drive.
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Defensive Pressure: Beyond his offensive output, Molinar’s wingspan and lateral quickness make him a dangerous defender on the perimeter, often forcing turnovers that translate into easy transition points.
Impact in the EuroCup: The Test of Maturity
The true measure of Molinar’s value is taken on Tuesday and Wednesday European nights. Facing top-tier sides from Spain, Turkey, or France, the Panamanian has proven he can be a leader, taking responsibility for decisive shots during ‘crunch time’.
| Statistical Indicator | Average Performance (2025-2026) | On-Court Impact |
| Points per game | 16.5 | Primary offensive threat |
| Assists per game | 4.8 | Facilitator for centres and shooters |
| Free throw percentage | 88% | Reliability in close finishes |
| Steals per game | 1.2 | Constant defensive aggression |
The Connection with ‘BT Arena’
Iverson Molinar quickly understood that in Cluj, basketball is more than a sport; it is a social phenomenon. His charisma and flamboyant playing style, punctuated by acrobatic drives, have made him a firm fan favourite. It is not uncommon after matches for Molinar to be the last player to leave the court, staying behind for several minutes to interact with the young fans in the stands.
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