The basketball players of Budućnost Voli reacted to Partizan’s win in Split, ensuring that the standings remained unchanged at the top after the 25th round of the AdmiralBet ABA League.

Both the Podgorica team and the “black and white” have the same record (22-3) following the “blues” victory over Cibona with a score of 96:82—a match that Andrej Žakelj is sure to analyze thoroughly.

Buducnost displayed contrasting performances in Dražen’s arena; they built a substantial 25-point lead (40:15) in the first half, effectively leveraging their superior quality, but in the second half, they had to contend with the risk of a potential comeback by the underdogs.

Cibona, who are battling to stay in the league, did not surrender easily, closing in to a 68:63 score by the end of the third quarter as they found a great offensive rhythm.

By the conclusion of that period, Buducnost had managed to extend their lead to eight points, and they maintained their composure as the final quarter commenced, quickly reestablishing a double-digit lead.

Victory was almost assured with just over five minutes remaining when McKinley Wright nailed a three-pointer to make it 81:69, followed by a double-double at the rim for an 85:71 lead.

A potential concern for Žakelj arose as Rashid Sulajmon left the court due to injury in the third quarter and did not return to the match.

McKinley Wright led Buducnost with 24 points, while Fletcher Maggie added 15, along with Đorđije Jovanović contributing 14 points and Kenan Kamenjaš with 13.

CIBONA – BUDUCNOST 82:96 (13:30, 20:20, 34:25, 15:21)

Zagreb – Basketball Center “Dražen Petrović”. Referees: Belošević (Serbia), Hordov (Croatia), Porobić (BiH).

Cibona: Vuković 8, Radovčić 8, Aranitović 12, Perasović 6, Skorić 4, Bundović 4, Smajlagić 23, Majcunic 3, Bart, Katanović 14.

Buducnost Voli: Morgan 8, Sulajmon 7, Megi 15, Minic, Tanasković 6, Jovanović 14, Drežnjak 9, Omić, Wright 24, Azubuike, Kamenjas 13.

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