SC Derby basketball players were at a high level in shooting in the previous round of the AdmiralBet ABA League, against Split, and they must repeat such an achievement tomorrow (17), again on home court, if they want to win over Igokea in the 25th round of the regional competition.
"Students" have no worries about survival, they are far from the danger zone, while Spartak and Zadar, teams in the playoff zone, have three more wins, so the playoffs are not even close at this point.
Against Split in the previous round, Petar Mijović's team made 20 three-pointers, equaling the performance of Crvena zvezda, which made 20 three-pointers from outside the 6,75 line against FMP five years ago. The record in this competition is held by Cedevita, which made 2010 three-pointers in a match against Zagreb in 23. That was before the merger of Cedevita and Olimpija Ljubljana.
"I think the position in the table and the number of wins clearly speaks of the quality that Igokea possesses. Because of the way they play, I think they are an exceptionally competitive team, with a lot of experience. I think we are facing a challenge and a match where we will have to, primarily in a physical sense, respond to the way Igokea plays. With a lot of contact, with toughness, impeccable work when it comes to basic things, and by that I mean rebounding, transition defense, one-on-ones against Jones and Carter. Simanić is playing in very good form, there is Milosavljević who contributes a lot with his experience," said SC Derbi coach Petar Mijović in the match announcement.
Igokea is fighting for a better position in the playoffs with a record of 16 wins and eight losses.
"Igokea's way of playing is clearly defined, roles are clearly divided, we know who does what within that system. I think we will need a very good game to be in a position to be competitive and play to win. We are in a good rhythm, both in training and competition. Since we secured survival, we have been entering games with a much lighter load, I think you can feel and see that," explained Mijović.
A real challenge awaits his team.
"As I said, an extremely difficult opponent with an excellent coach. I think we will have a serious task ahead of us, but I hope we will respond to all the demands and be in the game for victory," said Mijović.
SC Derbi has won two victories, and before Split they were even better than Mornar.
"After two consecutive victories, we have a pretty tough match ahead of us, against an experienced and demanding opponent. This game will be a good opportunity at home, we will have to show serious effort in both directions of the court in order to be able to achieve victory. That victory would certainly mean a lot to us in the fight for the playoffs and to continue our winning streak," said "Students" basketball player Andrija Grbović.
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