Just when they were expected to deliver their finest performance and cap off a remarkable period, the worst match of the season struck. The Budućnost Voli basketball team faced defeat against the Wolves in Vilnius during the final EuroCup round, losing 91:82, leaving their playoff chances in the hands of Hapoel Tel Aviv.

The Israeli side must secure a victory against Ulm in Germany, as their match began an hour later than the one in Lithuania, potentially paving the way for the Montenegrin champions to advance.

The impressive run of 13 wins in the past 14 games has come to an end, but Budućnost, given their recent form, seems to be relying on “assistance” from the Danube city to continue their European campaign.

From the beginning of the contest at the Twinsbet Arena, it was evident that it wasn’t going to be Budućnost’s evening. Under the guidance of Andrej Žakelj, the team struggled to defend against the hosts’ long-range shots, conceding ten three-pointers in the first half (12 in total by the conclusion).

Matas Jogela stood out, netting all of his 18 points from beyond the arc, with just one miss (7-6).

Despite the barrage of three-pointers, the “blue and white” managed to keep their opponents from gaining a significant lead until two minutes remained in the second quarter. However, as their offense faltered, the Wolves unleashed a 12:0 run, extending their lead to 14 points (51:37).

When a response was anticipated in the second half, the Podgorica team instead experienced their lowest moment. The Wolves surged to a 24-point lead (70:46), and heading into the final quarter, the score stood at 73:55 in favor of the home team.

In the last ten minutes, a potential comeback was sparked by Yogi Ferrell and Fletcher Magee, narrowing the gap to 13 points, then to 10. Just when it looked like a miracle might be possible, Garrison Brooks (twice) and Anthony Cowan capitalized at the tail end of the shot clock.

A tough day was inevitable at some point, but it arrived at the most inopportune time—now, Budućnost awaits Hapoel’s support as a reward for their unforgettable performances recently.

WOLVES – BUDUĆNOST 91:82 (26:25, 28:16, 19:14, 18:27)

Vilnius – “Twinsbet Arena”. Attendance: 4,000. Referees: Perez (Spain), Teppenyi (France), Lescano (Argentina).

Wolves: KAUAN 13 (9-7), Bruks 6, Karinijauskas, Miniotas 2, Marcinkevičus, Endrjus 10 (4-4), Žemaitis 2, Turman 10 (3-3), BLAŽEVIČ 10 (1-0), JOGELA 20, TAYLOR 15, KULBOKA 3 (2-1).

Budućnost Voli: MORGAN 6 (3-2), SULAJMON 14 (5-5), Ilic, Megi 8 (2-2), SLAVKOVIĆ 4, Tanasković 5 (2-1), Ferrell 20 (5-5), Jovanović 6, Drežnjak, Omic 4 (2-0), WRIGHT 6, KAMENJAŠ 9.