“Students Advocate for a Peaceful Conclusion to the Season”
Mijović demands complete focus and commitment from his players, Photo: kkscderbi/filip filipović
After their loss to Partizan in the last round, SC Derby basketball players have a prime chance to bounce back. Petar Mijović’s team is set to face Krka at 5 PM in the “MTEL Morača Hall” during the 20th round of the AdmiralBet ABA League.
The “Students” previously fell to the same opponent in Novo Mesto earlier this season (97:91) and currently hold a record of six wins and 13 losses. A potential victory would help them pull further away from the relegation zone, as Krka sits in 14th place with two fewer wins.
– We have another crucial match ahead of us. Krka is a tough team to prepare for, being offensively focused with many scoring options. Defensively, we need to maintain a high level of intensity, applying pressure to their primary scoring threats consistently. Offensively, we must stay sharp against both their base and alternative defensive strategies – Mijović stated.
The performance of SC Derby’s centers, especially Zoran Nikolić, will also be key.
– The current results do not accurately reflect Krka’s quality, so we can’t afford to underestimate them. The Slovenian team takes a lot of outside shots, and if left unchallenged, they will make them. For us, a victory is crucial for our survival and a potential fight for a playoff spot, and we are determined to achieve that – Nikolić emphasized.
Krka is coached by Dejan Jakara, who led SC Derby to victory in the Montenegrin Cup last season.
– We are likely weaker now than we have been. However, this situation is part of sports – the players understand the challenge awaiting them in Podgorica, and they are eager to win, which is how we are approaching this match – Jakara added.
– It is true that SC Derby is in good form. They performed well against Spartak and Partizan, and against Cibona, they led by a substantial margin for much of the game. The opponent is the favorite, but despite our team dynamics, we are ready to demonstrate our capability and aim to surprise the home team – Jakara concluded.
Krka center Brady Skins is aiming for a significant victory.
– Every game matters for us, and this one is no exception. Derby is a strong team, but our coach knows them well, which could prove advantageous; nonetheless, we recognize that hard work is ahead of us – Skins stated.
News