Hradec Králové secured a 99:93 victory over Decín in the Czech NBL on Saturday evening, overturning expectations at home. We had backed the visitors with 63 per cent confidence, but the match took a different shape entirely — and the hosts paid for a sloppy opening by turning it around after the break. By then the momentum had shifted, and Decín could not find their rhythm.
The home side opened brighter, but Decín answered with a surge that kept the game within reach. Hradec Králové tightened things up when it mattered, taking control through their shooting. The visitors pressed high up the pitch but struggled to contain the home attack.
Shooting efficiency told the story. Hradec Králové hit 17 of 34 three-pointers compared to Decín's 9 from 31 attempts. The hosts also dominated the boards with 43 rebounds to 36, while Decín relied heavily on free throws, converting 28 of 34 attempts.
Field goal accuracy separated the two sides — 38 of 74 for Hradec Králové against 28 of 72 for Decín. The visitors committed fewer turnovers, 12 to 16, but could not convert that advantage into points. Hradec Králové's three-point shooting gave them the edge when Decín tried to close the game out.
The result leaves Hradec Králové in 12th place with 22 games played and three wins. Decín remain fourth after 22 matches, holding 14 victories and eight defeats. The gap between them in the table has not changed, but the psychological weight of this loss will linger.
Hradec Králové's recent form had been inconsistent — losses to Slavia Prague, Nízké Mýto, and Pardubice among them. Decín came into this match with better momentum, including a 76:51 win over Olomoucko. The home side's ability to hold their nerve proved decisive.
Our prediction missed the mark because we underestimated how much Hradec Králové could rely on their perimeter shooting. Decín's free-throw conversion was impressive, but it was not enough to counter the three-point barrage. The hosts closed the game out when it counted.
