Mornar’s basketball team finds itself at the bottom of the AdmiralBet ABA League standings, with just one victory in 16 rounds and a troubling nine-game losing streak.

No matter the outcome, this season is one Mihailo Pavićević’s squad would prefer to forget. The silver lining is that their nearest competitor Cibona, also in the relegation zone, holds merely one win more than the Montenegrin side in this elite regional league.

As Mornar approaches the challenge, they must prove they possess the quality required to remain in the ABA League next season. The upcoming match in the 17th round against the reigning champions, Red Star Belgrade, raises questions about how feasible it is for the Bar team to showcase their abilities.

Mornar will compete against Red Star today at 17:00 in “Topolica,” and even Pavićević, known for his optimistic outlook, acknowledges the daunting task his team faces.

– Our only hope is that fatigue impacts Red Star given their competitive schedule. They’ve played two Euroleague games in three days, which is certainly demanding. We can only wish they won’t perform at their peak, allowing us to compete more closely. Any expectations for the result seem unrealistic – Pavićević remarked.

Red Star recently suffered a loss to Dubai in the latest ABA League round at the Belgrade Arena, and prior to that, faced defeat against Fenerbahçe before bouncing back with a win against Monaco.

– This team is composed of top-tier players and a highly skilled coach. Red Star is performing exceptionally well; I can’t help but express my admiration for their display in the Euroleague – Pavićević added.

Historically, Mornar entered matches against Red Star with belief in potential upsets, but the current circumstances starkly contrast those times.

– Preparing for this match has never been easier compared to previous years. Those times evoke a sense of nostalgia – back then, we matched up with far greater chances of victory. Now, we are facing a team that is a serious contender for the Euroleague Final Four. Red Star’s results truly speak for themselves – Pavićević noted.

Point guard Noah Thomason fully recognizes the challenge that awaits Mornar.

– Crvena zvezda is an exceptional, strong team, and they are highly ranked in the Euroleague. We understand the strengths of the Belgrade squad, but we are also counting on their fatigue – released Thomason.

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