Mihai Silvășan sent a warning after the victory in the final with Oradea, while Cristian Achim declared that he is not giving up hope
Article by David Istrate – Published on Monday, 01 June 2026 21:30 / Updated on Monday, 01 June 2026 21:47
In a great atmosphere created by the nearly 10,000 spectators present in BTarena, U-BT Cluj-Napoca defeated CSM Oradea 103-78in match 3 of the LNBM final, and is one step away from a new title. At the end of the game, Mihai Silvășan and Cristian Achim, the coaches of the two camps, drew conclusions about the confrontation in Cluj.
On the occasion of June 1, the organizers of match 3 of the final prepared a real celebration for children. The players had some special equipment, designed by the juniors from the U-BT Academy, and children under 14 had free access.
In a festive atmosphere, U-BT Cluj-Napoca dominated its great rival
Also, during the match, two junior teams, one male and one female, who became national champions, were applauded on the open stage. In addition, there were several shows, both musical and dance, in which children's groups were the protagonists.
on the ground, U-BT's players performed with joy, intensity and passion and put on a show. Trey Woodbury stepped up and played much better than last time, then passed the baton to Daron Russell, who brought the room to its feet with 3 consecutive baskets from distance.
In the second half, Mitch Creek became U-BT's main offensive weapon. CSM Oradea, supported on the road by a large gallery, which occupied two sectors in the BTarena, had moments when it tried to come back and succeeded in various runs, but they were quickly stopped by the hosts.
The two galleries created an incendiary atmosphere and, in the end, U-BT Cluj-Napoca won 103-78, bringing the overall score to 2-1. Immediately after the end of the game, captain Patrick Richard took the microphone, wished “Happy Birthday” to the children and told the spectators that the team is waiting for them on Wednesday, June 3 at 19:00 in Game 4, the one that can secure U-BT's 6th consecutive title.
U-BT Cluj-Napoca – CSM Oradea, match 3 of the LNBM final/Photo: David Istrate (GSP.ro)
Mihai Silvășan's warning: “We must remain focused and with our feet on the ground”
“That's what a final is all about, the intensity and this atmosphere. We thank the audience for filling the hall. I felt them close (not our fans) and I was even talking to my players that we have to have the necessary intensity and fighting spirit for the crowd to help us. We had to delight them with our effort”, declared Mihai Silvășan, the coach of the “students”.
“I'm not interested in the score, the difference, absolutely nothing. It's just a victory, 2-1 for us and we move on. We have to stay focused and with our feet on the ground for Wednesday's match. I repeat, it's only the 3rd match of the final, it's 2-1 and the final doesn't end at 2-1, but when the first one reaches 3”, added the technician from Cluj, emphasizing the need for his team not to consider themselves champions already.
He showed the same attitude Daron Russell, author of 24 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds. He spoke about the rivalry with CSM Oradea and stated that the Bihors won their respect in the first match of the final, won 87-84.
“In the first match, they gave us “a punch in the mouth”, they earned our respect. It's a solid team, very physical. We have to keep playing at the same physical level and I think we'll be fine,” “Fatts” explained.
“It was probably one of the most beautiful atmospheres of the whole season. I think it compares to the one from the match with Steaua Roșie or Partizan. It's up there in the top. I can't wait to see them again on Wednesday and we hope they give us energy”, said the Romanian-American defender about the atmosphere in the BTarena.
Match 3 of the final between U-BT Cluj-Napoca and CSM CSU Oradea/Photo: David Istrate (GSP.ro)
Cristian Achim keeps his hope: “Of course it exists, how could it not exist?”
On the other hand, in the camp from Oradea, resignation was observed. The visitors' veteran Kris Richard praised their opponents and said he and his teammates needed to re-strategize and raise their level of concentration.
Also, Cristian Achim explained where the difference was made: “In 1-on-1 relationships, in particular, where they scored baskets with great ease and on some offensive rebounds that were directly converted into points. You have nothing to comment on when you get 55 points before halftime. It's already way too much.”
However, the “Red Lions” technician does not give up.
“Hope exists until it ends (no finale). Of course it exists, how could it not exist? It's only 2-1, it ends when a team reaches 3 wins. We will see if it will happen in two days or in match 5. We are trying to play our chance to the end”, concluded Achim.
On Wednesday, June 3, starting at 19:00, U-BT Cluj-Napoca and CSM Oradea will meet again in BTarena. The hosts hope for another clear victory and the traditional bath in Someș, while the guests want to spoil the celebration of Cluj and bring the series back to their home ground.
