The basketball club for people with disabilities Paramont from Podgorica will play against Zmaj in Gradačac on Sunday in the third match of the regional NLB Wheel League tournament.
This will be the third match of the Podgorica team this season, after a mediocre performance in the first tournament.
Paramont started the 18th season of the regional competition with a loss to Vrbas from Banja Luka 81:67 and a victory against Una Sana from Bihać 62:49.
Zmaj is winless this season, losing to Vrbas 85:47 and Parasport Slovenije 65:47.
Podgorica basketball coach Vladan Nikolić said that the upcoming duel in Gradačac could be crucial for reaching the semifinals and the further course of the competition.
"This match has huge competitive significance for both teams and will be difficult, especially since Zmaj is playing in front of its fans," said Nikolić.
He emphasized that Paramont will play in Gradačac weakened by the absence of injured Radmilo Baranin and Nedžad Pepić, and one of the best centers and shooters from the Podgorica team, Persian Elenkov, will also miss the match.
"We hope that our guys, led by Ramo Rekanović, will make the most of it and bring home the victory, thereby increasing our chances of reaching the semifinals," said Nikolić.
Speaking about the regional competition, he emphasized that the NLB Wheel League this season is significantly stronger than last.
"Parasport from Zagreb defeated last year's champion - Parasport from Slovenia, as well as multiple champion, Vrbas from Banja Luka, at the last tournament. On the other hand, the Parasport Slovenia team was better than Vrbas, who defeated Paramont in Podgorica," said Nikolić.
The duel between Dragon and Paramont will begin at 15 p.m.
Three more matches will be played at the tournament in Gradačac.
The following teams will meet: Parasport Croatia - Zmaj (11), UNA Sana - Vrbas (13.15) and Parasport Croatia - Una Sana (16.45). The Parasport Slovenia team is free.
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