The Montenegrin women’s basketball squad has a defined aim this evening (19:30 p.m.) in Aarau, Switzerland — to overcome Switzerland to secure a match point against Luxembourg in Bar on Sunday, aiming for their eighth consecutive appearance at the premier tournament in Europe.

Jelena Škerović’s team made their way to Aarau via Belgrade and Zurich, preparing to compete in the 5th round of the European Championship qualifiers.

Our basketball team managed only three days of preparation in Bar for these pivotal matches against Switzerland and the final one on Sunday at 16:00 in Bar against Luxembourg, with both teams holding the same points record in Group H: three wins and one loss each.

– I often express this, but we genuinely look forward to every team gathering. The energy is fantastic, the atmosphere is incredible, and every player is deeply motivated, which certainly shows on the court. We have two critical qualifiers ahead, but our immediate focus is on the match in Switzerland. We aim to win, while showing utmost respect for our opponents. It won’t be easy given that we are away, and we are aware that Switzerland recently triumphed over Luxembourg on their turf. However, we have been clear about our goal from the start of the qualifiers, and we aim to achieve it for the eighth time consecutively — said Jovana Pašić, defender of our team.

Switzerland made our team smile with their victory over Luxembourg in November, as a break in Switzerland would have allowed our basketball team to top the group with even a small victory in Bar against Luxembourg.

– We don’t engage in calculations, nor do we think in those terms. I prefer not to dwell on what might happen in the event of a loss. We control our own fate, we desire both victories, and achieving a good result in Switzerland is essential. We must give our all, respect all responsibilities and agreements, and I’m confident that the results will follow — emphasized Pašić.

Our women’s basketball team started the qualifiers in November 2023, triumphing over Switzerland 85:61 in Herceg Novi. A second win against the Swiss would mean that Jelena Škerović’s squad wouldn’t need to pursue a 23-point victory against Luxembourg for first place on Sunday.

– We have a crucial cycle ahead and understand the significance of this match. We defeated Switzerland in Herceg Novi, we are aware of what lies ahead, and we are determined to win, although it won’t be easy — stated Bojana Kovačević, Montenegro’s power forward.

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