With a defeat to Red Star Belgrade (95:76) in the AdmiralBet ABA League, the Buducnost Voli basketball team ended their six-game winning streak, and they will try to pick up a new winning rhythm in Germany - the "blues" will visit Chemnitz in the seventh round of the Eurocup tomorrow (19).
Andrej Žakelj's team achieved a big victory against Besiktas in the previous round (82:79), with a score of 4-2 they joined the teams at the top of the table, they have one triumph less than the leader Burg, so it is clear how much a positive result in Germany would mean.
On the other hand, Chemnitz is 2-4, having lost to Burg in the previous round (85:82). The Germans are a tricky team, no team has had it easy against Chemnitz in the Eurocup this season, as evidenced by the fact that none of these four losses were by more than five points.
"Kemnic plays very difficult basketball — they have an athletic team that runs a lot, often plays one-on-one and forces a fast, tough and aggressive game. That style causes problems for everyone. In the last round, they seriously troubled the leading team Burg, which speaks volumes about their quality," says Budućnost coach Andrej Žakelj.
But, Buducnost has its own desires and ambitions. And the ambitions of the "blues" are to advance as far as possible in the Eurocup. Therefore, it is clear that a victory in Germany would bring them even closer to their goal.
"We're facing a really tough opponent. Our desire and goal are clear — we want to win away if we want to stay at the top of the group, and we're working on that," said Žakelj.
The Blues have personnel problems, Yogi Ferrell and James Thompson were injured against Besiktas.
"We have some problems with injuries, but regardless, we have to prepare ourselves as much as possible for a physical game, respond in kind, be focused and try to get an away win," concluded Žakelj.
Andrija Slavković, who didn't play much at the beginning of the season, had a good role against Besiktas.
"We are facing a tough away game against the Kemnica team, which is in good rhythm and plays fast, modern basketball with a large number of shots. I have no doubt that we will be ready for that match. I expect a tough, demanding game, as is the case in every Eurocup match. I believe that with maximum approach and good preparation, we can emerge victorious," said Slavković.
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