Two games, two derbies, three days of spectacle - basketball fever is shaking Podgorica, the time has come for victories that would ease the path of the Buducnost Voli basketball players in the Admiralbet ABA League and the Eurocup.
Monday is the day for the regional derby against Red Star (18 p.m.), and Wednesday is reserved for the clash with Burgas and confirmation of 3rd place ahead of the playoffs in the second-best European competition.
Perhaps the match in Europe seems like a priority at the moment, considering that the "blue and white" have secured the first position before the Top 8 in the ABA League, but the derby with Red Star is always special, and it is also important because every win carries over to the next stage.
Buducnost is playing very well this season, but the Belgrade club hasn't been that strong for a long time - after all, they are fighting for the Euroleague playoffs.
- Red Star is in very good shape and plays solid, physical basketball, with a height advantage over us. We will have to approach the game smartly, with a lot of energy and concentration - he said Andrej Zhakelj, coach of the Podgorica club.
Buducnost and Crvena Zvezda played 31 matches in Podgorica in the ABA League - the score is convincingly on the side of the Montenegrin team (23:8)
The last defeat that Buducnost suffered in the ABA League was against Red Star Belgrade. In early November, the "blue and white" were without a Yogi Ferrell i James Thompson They played a great first half, but in the second half they didn't have the strength to respond to the Euroleague rhythm of the hosts (95:79).
- We know that this is a team of great quality. In the first game we were level during the first half, without some important players. Now we enter the match positively and with the desire to respond to their physical play - added the Slovenian expert.
THE NOISIEST SEA
On the other hand, “Morača” has remained a practically impregnable fortress for Red Star for years, after all, the score in the ABA League between the two rivals in our largest hall is 23:8 for Buducnost. In addition, the Montenegrin representative has won three of the last four matches in Podgorica against the club from Serbia. Red Star's only victory in that period was controversial in October 2024, when the result was largely influenced by the referees. Sašo Pukl, Josip Radojković i Denis Hadzic.
- I expect this to be probably the loudest game of the season so far - Yogi Ferrell doesn't hide it.
The last 2 matches between Buducnost and Red Star Belgrade at “Morača” ended in a victory for the home team - both in the semi-finals of the ABA League last season.
The Buducnost point guard could be one of the key factors towards victory, as he is in great form, which he confirmed with a fantastic game against Ulm in the middle of last week.
- We are playing at home against a Euroleague team that we know has quality. First of all, they are extremely good offensive players, and it is up to us to limit what they want to do offensively - added Ferel.
The guy who was born in Indianapolis almost 33 years ago knows how important the "Morač factor" could be in the derby.
- I believe that with the support of our audience we have a good chance. We are sure to have an interesting and exciting match - emphasized Ferel.
OBRADOVIĆ: A QUALITY RIVAL AND A HOT ATMOSPHERE
Sasa Obradovic, the coach of Red Star, wore the jersey of Buducnost at the beginning of the millennium, and later was a guest many times, so there is no doubt that he knows what kind of atmosphere his team can expect in Podgorica.
- It is important that we play this match against a good quality team with a cool head, especially in the hot atmosphere that is always in Podgorica when Red Star plays - said the strategist of the Belgrade team.
Red Star Belgrade arrives at "Morač" after a double round in the Euroleague during which they achieved a mediocre performance against Israeli teams - a victory over Hapoel and a defeat against Maccabi.
- We are facing a very tough match, it will be the fifth match in just 10 days, it is a very tough rhythm for everyone. However, it is not an excuse not to play a strong, solid and responsible match - added Obradović.
Buducnost has decided to sell tickets in a package for these two important matches, so all those who wish to support the Podgorica club will be able to watch the matches with Red Star and Burgas for 20, 25 and 30 euros.
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