Cedevita Olimpija got the win in a thriller against Budućnost VOLI

2023/24 AdmiralBet ABA League Round 9, Saturday, 25 November 2023:

Budućnost VOLI - CEDEVITA OLIMPIJA 81:82 (23:24, 25:17, 15:21, 18:20)

PHOTO GALLERY

POST-GAME COMMENTS

Game recap: Cedevita Olimpija have gotten their fifth straight win in the final seconds after defeating Budućnost VOLI in the NLB Match of the Round. 

Budućnost VOLI had a terrific first half, by the halftime break they built a 7-point advantage. The third quarter was a back-and-forth game; Budućnost VOLI could not run away with the lead on their home court. By the end of the third quarter Cedevita Olimpija came within a 4-point deficit then Justin Cobbs hit the buzzer-beater from halfcourt to enter the final 10 minutes with a minimal deficit. Just like the first 30 minutes, the final quarter was a close game. In the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, Budućnost VOLI managed to go up by 9 and it seemed like blue-and-whites were going to get the win. But Cedevita Olimpija stayed resilient and they managed to get back into the game and Shawn Jones hit the game-winning and-one in the final second of play.

Key moments: Heading into the final minute and a half of the game, Budućnost VOLI held a 79:76 lead but Cedevita Olimpija would make some crucial buckets to seal the win. Shawn Jones showed up in the final minute of play, he managed to be open at the right place and at the right time throughout that period. First, he hit a layup to cut the Budućnost VOLI advantage to 79:78. After Budućnost VOLI's final play of the game, Jones got the crucial defensive rebound then ran up the floor and got open for the easy bucket including the and-one with less than a second remaining on the clock. 

Man of the match: Shawn Jones was the hero tonight for Cedevita Olimpija, along with hitting the game-winner, Jones finished the night with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 steal for an 18 valuation. 

Can't hide the stats: Both teams were evenly matched in almost all categories, free throw shooting is what stands out, in a one-point game sometimes one made free throw can make all the difference in the world. Budućnost VOLI shot 67% from the charity stripe while Cedevita Olimpija hit 78% of their shots from the line.