The team from Podgorica played a weak match, without any real energy in defense, they were constantly chasing mostly double-digit deficits, on several occasions at the beginning of the fourth quarter they came close to minus five, but then the brilliant Molinar scored seven points and repelled the onslaught of the rivals.
"I think they wanted to win more, at least that's how it seemed to me. They were better in the elements that are most important, approach, contact, fouls, blocking, they were more aggressive, they were faster. Why was that, why didn't we commit fouls in the first half, we have to solve it. I think we spent a lot of energy to come back, we got back into the game, but we ran out of energy. In the end, the visiting team deserved to win," said Budućnost coach Andrej Žakelj at the post-match press conference.
The "Blues" are now turning to the ABA League, and their rival on Saturday will be Cluj.
"We all know how important this game was and how much atmosphere there was around this game. I talked to the players in preparation, we knew everything about them, they didn't surprise us in terms of tactics, you saw it yourself. I've been saying all season that this team has character, we'll see on Saturday who will take the field with the right approach. We can't fix this game, but we can turn our heads towards the ABA League. It won't be easy, but we have to. It will certainly be a challenge to get everyone together by Saturday, mentally and physically," said the Buducnost coach.
Buducnost had home-court advantage for the first time in the new format, but they failed in the match of the season, primarily in defense. Žakelj also spoke about whether the team was selected correctly…
"Maybe there is no solidity, but so far we have had a good result. I think we played good defense at some point, maybe the team is more talented in attack, but that doesn't mean we didn't play defense. We were first in the ABA League and third in the Eurocup. That is the best result in a long time. The selection is what it is, within our capabilities. We can never hit all the players, that is impossible. I don't think the selection is bad, they showed that. If we judge only by this game, unfortunately the system is such that one game is decisive. But I think these guys have shown so far that they are good players and have the right approach. I am to blame for this game and the selection if you think it is bad. So, support should be given," Žakelj emphasized.
There was no need for aggression, which the rival took advantage of and fed off shots from outside.
"I think we were too slow from the start, we were late in every block break, we were late in every pick-and-roll. Contrary to what we've been saying in the past few days, since Cluj is the first team in the Eurocup in terms of points, we knew that. Without pressure on the guards, we had a problem. Everything was the opposite at the beginning. Fouls are a matter of concentration and desire, it's not some kind of knowledge, like blocking, it's also concentration and desire. I don't think that was the case today, especially at the beginning," analyzed the blue-and-white coach.
The pressure was obviously too much, because Buducnost was considered the favorite.
"There is no re-exam. There is only one game. I did not put pressure on the players about the result, the victory, I put pressure on the basic things that we agreed on. Unfortunately, today it was not as we agreed. Coming back against a team in such a good mood, which we allowed them, is very difficult. An offensively oriented team, if you give them freedom, is very difficult, which we allowed today," explained the Slovenian expert.
Buducnost had 18 turnovers, most of which resulted in points.
"That's another thing, today it seemed like everything was upside down, which we mentioned in preparation and worked on, to control the attack and have control over the return. This is a team that scores a lot of points from counterattacks and turnovers are the way they score. We prepared for that, but they took advantage of our turnovers and celebrated," emphasized Žakelj, who also reflected on the support from the stands:
"The hall wasn't full, but those who came were loud and gave us help when needed. Defeats like this can affect the rest of the season. We have to pull ourselves together and move on. The season is far from over. Every game is important to us now. We have to show reaction and character," concluded Žakelj.
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