The basketball players of Budućnost Voli have secured first place ahead of the AdmiralBet ABA League playoffs - coach Andrej Žakelj was also relieved after the triumph over FMP, which put an end to the round before the end of the regular season.
The "Blues" defeated the "Panthers" more difficult than expected - in the end it was 78:69.
"For me, this and the previous game were like a final, it was evident in the guys' concentration and nervousness. We weren't at the level, but it was enough to win. We deservedly won 1st place in the regular season, this is a reward for good performances, and now the second part is coming and we will have to play differently," said Žakelj.
The rival in the quarterfinals will be Mega or Spartak.
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"The quarter-finals are always the hardest, no matter who you play against. I believe we will look different, especially in terms of focus and approach. We are the favorites and there is no excuse in terms of concentration, and anything else can happen. It can be a bad day, like this one against FMP, but with the right approach and concentration, no one can tell you anything," added Žakelj.
Buducnost finished the regular season ahead of Euroleague teams Partizan and Red Star.
"Nobody expected 26 wins and three losses, neither did I. We are the surprise of the season, but we have a good team and character. The guys showed quality, some even under the radar, which makes me even happier," concluded Žakelj.
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