By Bojan Brezovac/ info@eurohoops.net
The eternal Serbian derby lived up to the hype in Round 12 of the EuroLeague. Crvena Zvezda got the win in a nail-biter against Partizan and the hero was Nemanja Nedovic. The former Panathinaikos player hit the game-winning shot.
“I was convinced that the ball was going in. I was calling literally from yesterday to get into a situation for a shot to win,” said Nedovic after the match, who had another big shot in his career.
Last year, also in a big derby, but in Athens, he hit a similar shot which he compared to last night’s big three.
“Against Olympiacos, I scored by myself from 10 meters, but then there was more time on the clock. This is perhaps the biggest shot of my career.”
Nedovic pointed out the crazy crowd in the Belgrade Arena and how it affected the game.
“It was very difficult in the first quarter. But, when we got used to it and calmed down, we set up our game, with a strong defense, while in attack we continued to move from one side to the other and share the ball. Our goal was to get to the last quarter and have options to win. I did hit that last shot, but it was the defense that got the win.”
In the media, this derby was announced as historic and Zvezvda’s guard agreed, even if after the tipoff things were different.
“I felt the tension, but when the game starts, I switch off from everything, only the court is important.”
Zvezda is on a streak of five Euroleague victories in a row, and eighth overall.
“Another victory. There is no stopping now. It will strengthen our confidence. We are overjoyed. We can’t wait for training,” Nedovic added with a smile.