Defeated by Turk Telekom in the Eurocup, and then by Mega in the AdmiralBet ABA League - after a period of good games, Buducnost Voli faltered a bit, losing two matches in a similar manner, where they were behind from the start, and then couldn't come back until the end.
While the Eurocup is over, the battle for first place before the playoffs continues in the AdmiralBet ABA League. Partizan is alone at the top with one win after the last round, so a reaction is needed. And the first opportunity for that is tomorrow (19), when Borac from Čačak comes to Pogodbe, as part of the 23rd round of the regional competition.
"We have to show reaction and that is the first task. We know who we are playing against - we remember the first game, when we played two different halves," said Budućos coach Andrej Žakelj in the match announcement.
And when it comes to the previous match, Buducnost had a 20-point lead (56:36), Borac turned things around and took the lead in the final minutes (77:76), but in the end the "blues" came out on top (88:82).
"Borac is a very difficult opponent, who plays hard, with great energy. They play relaxed, and that will probably be the case here as well. We have to prepare ourselves to the fullest, work on our things. There are many things that need to be better. The emphasis will be on our game," said Žakelj.
Rashid Sulajmon is also aware that the team needs to show a reaction after two lackluster performances.
"A very important game. We have to show our reaction after the last few games. Finally, we are all together again. We have to play well and get back into rhythm. I expect a quality game," said the defender from Podgorica.
The energy in the previous two matches was not at a recognizable level either.
"We have to start aggressively, control the game, the rhythm of the match. It all starts with defense – high intensity, pressure. That can then bring us easy points and get us going in attack. And when that happens with this team, I think we are a very difficult opponent for anyone," concluded Sulajmon.
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