Budućnost Triumphs Over Crvena Zvezda in ABA League Semifinal with Last-Second Three-Point Shot
Meklinli Rajt scores the decisive basket as Budućnost edges past Crvena Zvezda 81-78, securing a place in the ABA League final.
In a thrilling semifinal matchup of the ABA League, Budućnost defeated Crvena Zvezda 81-78, with a last-second three-pointer from Meklinli Rajt sealing the victory.
The match, played at the Morača Sports Center in Podgorica, showcased intense competition and dramatic momentum shifts.
Budućnost began the game with a high-energy approach, quickly establishing an early lead.
Meklinli Rajt emerged as a key player for the home team, showcasing his scoring ability through both drives to the basket and long-range shots, while also exerting pressure on Zvezda's backcourt players defensively.
By the end of the first quarter, the score was 25-22 in favor of Budućnost.
Crvena Zvezda began to find their rhythm midway through the second quarter, with pivotal contributions from Jago dos Santos and Nemanja Nedović.
Their successful three-pointers and assists helped balance the game.
Although Zvezda struggled with turnovers and had a lower shooting percentage, their defense, bolstered by Dobrić and Petrušev, allowed them to stabilize their offense.
A key three-pointer by Gedraitis contributed to a turnover, and a final shot by Nedović at the end of the half enabled Zvezda to lead 44-43 at the break.
The second half continued the tight contest with both teams trading leads.
Nedović opened the third quarter with a three-pointer, which was soon matched by scoring from Budućnost through free throws by Morgan and another three-pointer from Rajt.
A quick response from Kenan temporarily put Zvezda ahead, but Budućnost maintained pressure, entering the final quarter with a 63-60 advantage.
In the fourth quarter, foul trouble for Zvezda allowed Budućnost to capitalize at the free-throw line.
Sulemon’s three-pointer extended Budućnost's lead to 70-66. However, Zvezda responded decisively, with contributions from Gedraitis and Jago bringing the game back to parity at 70-70.
The concluding minutes were marked by intense exchanges as Budućnost and Zvezda matched each other's efforts with critical baskets.
In a dramatic sequence, Zvezda took a 78-77 lead, but Budućnost quickly responded to regain a slight edge.
With just seconds remaining, Rajt went to the line and converted one of two free throws, giving Budućnost an 80-78 lead.
In a climactic end to the game, Zvezda tied the contest at 80-80 with Dobrić's assist.
Following a timeout, Rajt, under pressure, launched a distant three-point shot that found the target at the buzzer, sealing Budućnost's advancement to the final against Partizan, who secured their spot by defeating Dubai.
The final outcome leaves Crvena Zvezda to reflect on their season, having reached a semifinals stage unsuccessfully for the first time in a decade.
The match, played at the Morača Sports Center in Podgorica, showcased intense competition and dramatic momentum shifts.
Budućnost began the game with a high-energy approach, quickly establishing an early lead.
Meklinli Rajt emerged as a key player for the home team, showcasing his scoring ability through both drives to the basket and long-range shots, while also exerting pressure on Zvezda's backcourt players defensively.
By the end of the first quarter, the score was 25-22 in favor of Budućnost.
Crvena Zvezda began to find their rhythm midway through the second quarter, with pivotal contributions from Jago dos Santos and Nemanja Nedović.
Their successful three-pointers and assists helped balance the game.
Although Zvezda struggled with turnovers and had a lower shooting percentage, their defense, bolstered by Dobrić and Petrušev, allowed them to stabilize their offense.
A key three-pointer by Gedraitis contributed to a turnover, and a final shot by Nedović at the end of the half enabled Zvezda to lead 44-43 at the break.
The second half continued the tight contest with both teams trading leads.
Nedović opened the third quarter with a three-pointer, which was soon matched by scoring from Budućnost through free throws by Morgan and another three-pointer from Rajt.
A quick response from Kenan temporarily put Zvezda ahead, but Budućnost maintained pressure, entering the final quarter with a 63-60 advantage.
In the fourth quarter, foul trouble for Zvezda allowed Budućnost to capitalize at the free-throw line.
Sulemon’s three-pointer extended Budućnost's lead to 70-66. However, Zvezda responded decisively, with contributions from Gedraitis and Jago bringing the game back to parity at 70-70.
The concluding minutes were marked by intense exchanges as Budućnost and Zvezda matched each other's efforts with critical baskets.
In a dramatic sequence, Zvezda took a 78-77 lead, but Budućnost quickly responded to regain a slight edge.
With just seconds remaining, Rajt went to the line and converted one of two free throws, giving Budućnost an 80-78 lead.
In a climactic end to the game, Zvezda tied the contest at 80-80 with Dobrić's assist.
Following a timeout, Rajt, under pressure, launched a distant three-point shot that found the target at the buzzer, sealing Budućnost's advancement to the final against Partizan, who secured their spot by defeating Dubai.
The final outcome leaves Crvena Zvezda to reflect on their season, having reached a semifinals stage unsuccessfully for the first time in a decade.
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