How beautiful basketball is, but also unpredictable and how unforgiving is the slightest mistake, the Buducnost Volija basketball players learned once again against Trent.
In the end, the "blue and white" managed to reach a very important victory in the 12th round of the Eurocup (110:108) through extra time, after practically giving their rival an additional five minutes in the regular part.
In the end, the victory that keeps the door to the playoffs open will be remembered.
"An important victory to stay in the Eurocup and that was the goal of this match. It was clear from the beginning that we were a little empty and without energy with many delays, especially in defense, which is far from what we want and can do," said Andrej Žakelj , coach of the Montenegrin champion.
He emphasized that what was most lacking was concentration.
"We allowed some things that we agreed not to do, not to do. A difficult match - I am satisfied with the victory, but not with the game. We certainly have to analyze everything, train and be better," Žakelj added at the press conference.
Rashid Sulejmon played a good match, even though he could have been a tragedian.
"I would like to single out him, because we didn't know if he would play until the last moment - hats off to him, he didn't train, he played under injections and gave much more than I could have expected," the Slovenian expert emphasized.
Trento showed once again how complicated matches in Europe are.
"We all need to understand that the Eurocup is a serious competition. We talk a lot about the ABA league and the Eurocup, but we play hot and cold and we certainly have to and can do better".
It couldn't be without mistakes and drama even in the extra five minutes, and Žakelj especially emphasized the incomprehensible decision of Jogi Ferel, who with 26 seconds left, with the score 106:102, ran towards the basket and got a ramp, and he should have been guarding the ball.
"What he did shouldn't happen, I was in shock. The players on the field make decisions and have to be responsible - mistakes can be made, but I can't stand irresponsibility. Fortunately, we got through this game, but this honestly, it shouldn't be happening," Žakelj is clear.
Club president Dragan Bokan also visited the players and coaching staff after the game - was he angry, was there criticism?
"The president is never angry, Mr. President supported us. He has his own point of view, he wanted to congratulate us for Partizan, we also talked about this match, and of course that's all part of the support," concluded Žakelj.
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