By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
A dominating display in the fourth quarter, including 12 unanswered points to tie the game down the stretch, pushed Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet to a narrow win, 83-81, against SC Derby in Belgrade Arena on Monday.
The reigning league and cup champions of Serbia sidestepped an upset loss at home, earning a 1-0 lead in the Quarterfinals of the AdmiralBet ABA League Playoffs.
The Studenti went up by 18 points in Game 1 of a best-of-three series and led by 15 points at the top of the fourth period, but did not hold on over the last ten minutes. Taking the first lead since the opening minute, the team coached by Greek tactician Giannis Sfairopoulos prevailed, surviving a shot at the buzzer.
Experienced floor general Milos Teodosic registered game-highs with 17 points and eight assists. Luka Mitrovic followed with 14 points. Dejan Davidovac and Nemanja Nedovic added 13 points each. Javonte Smart, Stefan Lazarevic, Mike Tobey, and Nikola Topic were sidelined.
For the 2023 ABA Super Cup champions, guided by Slovenian head coach Dejan Jakara, young center Tomislav Ivisic tallied a team-high 15 points behind 6/10 field goals.
Switching to Moraca Sports Center, Game 2 of the series is scheduled for next Monday in Podgorica. If necessary, Game 3 will decide the advancing team in Belgrade on Friday, 26 April.
ABA Quarterfinals Game 1
Buducnost VOLI – Zadar 100-69
Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet – SC Derby 83-81
Mega MIS – Cedevita Olimpija 119-98
Partizan Mozzart Bet – Igokea m:tel (17/4)
Photo Credit: aba-liga.com