Žakelj: I think we can do even better.

The basketball players of Budućnost Voli took the first step towards the semifinals of the AdmiralBet ABA League, after defeating Cluj 86:73 tonight in Podgorica, in the first match of the quarterfinals.

The "Blues" defeated the Romanian team for the third time this season, and will try to confirm their place in the semifinals on Friday (19) in Romania.

"A tough game, as we expected. The break left its mark, but in the end the victory is what matters. I think we played in waves, we had a good period in the second quarter, when we played good defense, and that was the case in the third and fourth. Only when we were aggressive, that's when we made the difference. And that's key against teams like Cluj. We saw that if we let them, they immediately punish a mistake. We deserved to win, but this is only the first game. We need to analyze, rest and get ready for the second game," said Budućnost coach Andrej Žakelj after the match.

Zoran Nikolić played his best game in the Buducnost jersey this season, finishing the match with 18 points, six rebounds, an index of 22, and his plus/minus was plus 27.

"I'm happy for Zoran, he's training well. He got a chance, he used it properly and I'm happy for him, but also for us, because we won the game," Žakelj pointed out.

The second game is on Friday in Romania.

"I think we can do even better. There were some moments where we weren't strong enough, and when we are strong then we are good. The preparation was right, we have to adapt some things for the second game. But, with the approach and focus, I hope to win on Friday, but it certainly won't be easy," concluded Žakelj.