The final tournament of the NLB ABA2 league starts today in Domžale, Slovenia, and Sutjeska and Podgorica are among the eight teams that will fight to enter the elite rank of ex-YU basketball.
Montenegrin teams do not have an easy task at the start of the playoffs - the chosen ones Darko Vujačić they play with Krk, and the team Nebojše Bogavac with Zlatibor, teams that are favorites for placement in the AdmiralBet ABA league.
Podgorica is the first to take the floor, and from 12:2 p.m. against the current ABAXNUMX champion, they will try to continue their excellent performances in this competition and cause a surprise.
"Everything is possible in the playoffs. We are a young team, I expect a good, fighting game, to be focused and aggressive for all 40 minutes. If we get a chance to pass, we'll take it. We are satisfied with the season, the boys should show the quality without pressure, which brought us a good result in the league part", said Bogavac for "Vijesti".
Does not have Mladen Vujić, who was injured on the previous "balloon" in Široki Brijeg.
"We are playing against the current champion, we are a young team, and we will not lack motivation. We hope to rejoice after the game", he said Marko Kljajević.
Three hours after Podgorica, Sutjeska takes the floor. By winning over Sloga in the last round, the team from Nikšić qualified for the final tournament, and before leaving for Slovenia, they improved their form and secured 1st place at the end of the regular part of the Montenegrin championship.
"In our previous match in the 'balloon', Krka was relieved, and we were under pressure. Now the situation is different - the rival is under more pressure, he is the favorite, he will also have support from the stands, and we are relieved and we should take advantage of that. We are in a good rhythm, we are playing much better than in Široki Brijeg. We hope for a good result, the boys are motivated", said Vujacic.
Compared to the previous "bubble", Sutjeska will be stronger for Andrej Vulević i Vladimir Tomasevic, who has recovered from a foot injury.
"Foreigners fit in much better, Tomašević is back. We look forward to the match with great optimism. The atmosphere in the team is excellent, the players are full of confidence after two victories in the domestic league. We are ready to welcome the meeting", said the captain Marko Ćalić.
Krka arrives in Domžale without two main players under the basket - Jurija Macura i Robert Jurković, while the center Mate Vucic recently recovered from injury, but his performance in today's match is questionable. Therefore, the Montenegrin representative and former Sutjeska player will have a lot of work under his belt. Radosav Spasojevic.
"Almost all teams have personnel problems, so everyone has their chance, especially when it is played for one game. We don't run away from the role of favorites, and on the other hand we enter relieved. We are an experienced team, I think we will manage to beat Sutjeska, although it will not be easy, because they are playing better and better", said Spasojević for "Vijesti".
If they win, Sutjeska and Podgorica will fight for the final in a match between them on Friday (20).
QUARTERFINALS PAIRS - TODAY
Podgorica - Zlatibor (12)
Krka - Sutjeska (15)
Helios - Pelister (18)
Fighter Banjaluka - Široki Brijeg (21)
Bonus video:
