Who’s the best in “do or die” moments?

This will not be the first time for any of our four title contenders to feel the thrill of the decisive last game. Who’s the best in “do or die” moments? Let’s see what history tells us.

Budućnost VOLI: The reigning ABA League champions were involved in most of “do or die” games in the regional league Playoffs. And their score is not really the best one – only 1 win in 4 series. The first time Budućnost VOLI played a “do or die” game happened back in the 2007/08 season, when they were defeated by Hemofarm Štada by 1-2 in the best-of-3 quarter-final series (71:87, 64:55, 69:75). The decisive Game 3 in that series was played in Vršac.

The second time the Blue team were involved in a dramatic ending occurred in the 2014/15 season. Back then Budućnost VOLI faced Cedevita in the best-of-5 semi-final series. By many people this was one of the most exciting Playoffs series ever played in the regional league, while the Podgorica side once again ended up as a defeated team – 2-3 (82:81, 81:76, 57:85, 85:88, 66:70). Budućnost VOLI lost the decisive Game 5 at their home in Sports Center Morača.

“The third time lucky” phrase did not turn out to be true for Budućnost VOLI as they once again lost the decisive game of the series in the 2016/17 season. This time against Crvena zvezda mts in the best-of-3 semi-finals 1-2 (67:82, 63:57, 59:82). Game 3 was played in Belgrade.

Finally, luck smiled on Budućnost VOLI in their 4th attempt. In the 2017/18 season, they faced Cedevita in the best-of-3 semi-final series and the Blue side prevailed by 2-1 (84:83, 75:82, 72:57). Game 3 was played in Podgorica.

Cedevita: Cedevita have so far played three “do or die” games in the ABA Playoffs and they have prevailed in two of them.

As we have already mentioned above in the text, Cedevita pulled off a spectacular comeback in the 2014/15 season when they were down by 0-2 in the best-of-5 semi-final series against Budućnost VOLI, winning the next 3 games including the decisive Game 5 in Podgorica – 3-2 (81:82, 76:81, 85:57, 88:85, 70:66).

In the 2016/17 season Cedevita faced Partizan NIS in the best-of-3 semi-finals, winning the series by 2-1 (83:76, 73:74, 87:78). The last and decisive game was played in Zagreb.

The only defeat in the “do or die” games Cedevita suffered against Budućnost VOLI in the best-of-3 semi-final series of the 2017/18 season – 1-2 (83:84, 82:75, 57:72). The last game of the series was played in Podgorica.

Crvena zvezda mts: The red & whites are the only team out of these four who have won all of their “do or die” semi-final games in the ABA Playoffs. Still, they have one defeat in the quarter-finals. 

In the 2007/08 season, Crvena zvezda mts lost the best-of-3 quarter-final series against Petrol Olimpija, after losing decisive Game 3 at home court – 1-2 (93:87, 60:88, 74:97).

In the 2016/17 season, Crvena zvezda mts defeated Budućnost VOLI in the best-of-3 semi-final series – 2-1 (82:67, 57:63, 82:59), winning the final game in Belgrade.

In the 2017/18 season, the red & whites prevailed over Mornar in the best-of-3 semi-final series – 2-1 (91:63, 84:88, 88:69), once again winning the crucial match in Belgrade in front of their fans.

Partizan NIS: The black & whites have played two “do or die” games in the regional league Playoffs, while their overall winning percentage is 50%. Interesting enough, Partizan NIS played both of these games on the away courts in Zagreb.

In the 2006/07 season, Partizan NIS defeated Cibona in the best-of-3 semi-final series by 2-1 (69:76, 85:76, 87:81), winning the last game in Zagreb.

In the 2016/17 season, the black & whites were defeated by Cedevita in the best-of-3 semi-final series 1-2 (76:83, 74:73, 78:87), losing the last game in Zagreb.

"Do or die" games in regional league Playoffs:

Budućnost VOLI:

2007/08: Lost Game 3 against Hemofarm Štada away - 69:75

2014/15: Lost Game 5 against Cedevita at home - 66:70

2016/17: Lost Game 3 against Crvena zvezda mts away - 59:82

2017/18: Won Game 3 against Cedevita at home - 72:57

Cedevita:

2014/15: Won Game 5 against Budućnost VOLI away - 70:66

2016/17: Won Game 3 against Partizan NIS at home - 87:78

2017/18: Lost Game 3 against Budućnost VOLI away - 57:72

Crvena zvezda mts:

2007/08: Lost Game 3 against Petrol Olimpija at home - 74:97

2016/17: Won Game 3 against Budućnost VOLI at home - 82:59

2017/18: Won Game 3 against Mornar at home - 88:69

Partizan NIS:

2006/07: Won Game 3 against Cibona away - 87:81

2016/17: Lost Game 3 against Cedevita away - 78:87