The SC Derby basketball team has achieved three consecutive victories in the AdmiralBet ABA League, showcasing impressive performances, particularly in offense.

Following their win against Mornar (94:74), the players triumphed over Split (102:89) in a match in which they sank an astounding 20 three-pointers, marking the second-best record in the league’s history. Most recently, they emerged victorious against Igokea in a thrilling overtime match, ending at 111:109.

One standout performer against the Laktaši team was SC Derby center Zoran Nikolić. Over 35 minutes, he scored 22 points (just one away from his personal best) and secured 13 rebounds, matching his personal record for most steals in a game—having also achieved 13 against Mornar earlier in March. The Nikšić native additionally contributed four assists, three steals, and forced eight fouls against Igokea, resulting in a career-high 40 index points and earning him the title of the round’s most valuable player.

“We got off to a strong start and had control for 30 minutes, but then they made a comeback, taking the game into overtime. Recently, our offensive play has been strong; we have good ball movement and open shots. I believe we’ve significantly elevated our level of play, as evidenced by three consecutive wins,” Nikolić shared with “Vijesti”.

The game against Igokea continues a trend of strong performances this season.

“I am very pleased with my performance this season. I know I could have done even better in certain games. I’ve raised my game; I believe I’m playing the best basketball of my career. It’s gratifying to set a new record after a game, and it motivates me to push myself for continuous improvement and challenges. Achieving a new personal best in index points is particularly rewarding,” Nikolić reflected.

Nikolić has also climbed the all-time leaderboard for blocks in this league, currently placing seventh with 128 blocks. Luka Žorić is just seven ahead, while the record belongs to Uroš Luković with 283 blocks.

In terms of blocks per game, Nikolić ranks second alongside Luković, Šon James, Smiljan Pavič, and Slavko Vraneš (7 each). The top slot is held by Karlo Matković, who recorded nine blocks in a match against Krka two years ago while with Cedevita-Olimpija.

“While Karlo Matković holds the record with nine blocks, I share the second spot for most blocks in a single game with several others. That was during my first season with Buducnost. Being part of this impressive list is quite thrilling. I try not to focus too much on it; I let things unfold naturally. It’s gratifying to see my name included,” stated Nikolić.

At the beginning of the season, Nikolić informed “Vijesti” that he chose SC Derby because he wanted to play the role of the team’s main center. With the season’s end approaching, he feels content with how everything has panned out.

“Over the summer, I told my agent that I wanted to take on the same role I had with Igokea and Vojvodina. There were other offers, but I was keen on being a first-choice player. I’m happy with SC Derby and the way I’ve performed. I aim to elevate my game even more as the season wraps up,” added Nikolić.

With five rounds remaining in the regular season of the ABA League, SC Derby has already secured survival and trails FMP, Mega, and Zadar, who are competing for playoff spots, by two wins.

“We have 10 wins, and we could possibly have had more. We’re working to turn our earlier losses into wins before the season concludes,” he stated.

The “Students” face a challenging schedule ahead. In the next three rounds, they will go up against Buducnost, Red Star, and Cedevita-Olimpija, followed by matches against Mega and Borac.

“We’re not giving up on the playoffs; anything is possible. Other teams have tough schedules too. We’re approaching the next three games without pressure. Buducnost is fighting for first place, Red Star for third, and Cedevita-Olimpija for fifth. They face more pressure, and I hope we can leverage that to our advantage,” Nikolić concluded.

With our strongest squad, we aim to reach the round of 16.

The Montenegrin national basketball team recently learned their opponents for EuroBasket. The “Reds” are placed in Group B alongside Germany, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, and Great Britain.

Our team will compete in Tampere, Finland.

“Germany and Lithuania are the top contenders, but it hinges on the teams they bring. Great Britain has been performing well lately; they defeated us in the qualifiers for the last European Championship. Sweden poses a challenging matchup for us, as we’ve faced difficulties against them in Stockholm. Finland has strong players, and as the hosts, they will have fan support,” Nikolić noted.

Montenegro aspires to secure a top-four position to advance to the knockout stages, which will be held in Riga.

“We believe we can compete. While the group presents challenges, it’s not unmanageable. Our toughest matches will be against Germany and Lithuania, but we’ll fight hard against the other teams to progress. I hope we field our strongest squad; if so, we have a solid chance to reach the round of 16,” Nikolić concluded.

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