FMP Soccerbet overcame a 14-point deficit to beat Cibona

AdmiralBet ABA League Round 5, Friday, 18 October 2024:

FMP SOCCERBET - Cibona 89:84 (27:28, 17:24, 23:15, 22:17)

PHOTO GALLERY
POST-GAME COMMENTS

Game recap: FMP Soccerbet completed a 14-point comeback in the second half to beat Cibona and keep a perfect home record this season. 

FMP Soccerbet got off to a great start, they punished Cibona's early mistakes and took a 13:4 lead after about 3 minutes of play. Cibona would catch their strides later in the quarter, they went on a 11:2 run to prevent the Panthers from running away with the lead early. Cibona would later take control of the game, they built a big 14-point advantage and it seemed they were on their way to give coach Bariša Krasić his first win in the regional league. FMP Soccerbet wasn't going to go that easily, they put up a fight and clawed their way back in the game, completed a comeback, and controlled the lead throughout much of the final quarter. 

Key moments: After the Panthers of Belgrade got back into the game they went on a crucial run midway through the quarter. FMP Soccerbet went on an 8:2 run to take an 80:72 advantage heading into the final 5 minutes of the game. Cibona would try and fight their way back but Stefan Lazarević wasn't going to let them as he scored 6 points in the final stretch of the game to make sure FMP Soccerbet remained undefeated at home this season. 

Man of the match: Stefan Lazarević had his best game since returning to FMP Soccerbet, he went 9/16 from the field to score 21 points. He filled up the stat sheet in other categories tonight, he grabbed 6 rebounds, dished out 4 assists, and even recorded 4 steals. He shows us why FMP Soccerbet wanted to bring back this defensive treat. 

Can't hide the stats: Points in the paint were a major difference tonight, FMP Soccerbet controlled the game down low tonight outscoring Cibona by 20 in the paint. FMP Soccerbet's big men were causing problems in the posts for Cibona, but no one more than Stefan Lazarević who scored 18 of his 21 points in the paint.