Crvena zvezda Meridianbet beat Igokea m:tel to take the lead in the quarter-finals

2024/25 AdmiralBet ABA League Quarterfinals Round 1, Saturday, 10 May 2025:

CRVENA ZVEZDA MERIDIANBET – Igokea m:tel 87:77 (21:13, 18:22, 27:24, 21:18)

PHOTO GALLERY

POST-GAME COMMENTS

Game recap: Crvena zvezda Meridianbet have taken a 1-0 lead in their quarter-final series against Igokea m:tel after securing an 87:77 home win in Game 1. However, the reigning champions had to work hard for this victory as the visitors from Laktaši pushed them to the limit for more than 35 minutes of intense playoff basketball.

The red-and-whites entered the clash as heavy favorites and looked confident early on, but Igokea m:tel came prepared and refused to back down. The visiting side matched Zvezda’s intensity with tough defense and smart execution on offense, keeping the game within striking distance for most of the night. Even when Zvezda attempted to pull away, Igokea responded with resilience, maintaining pressure deep into the final quarter.

And it wasn’t until the final stretch that the hosts finally broke the resistance of the visitors.

Key moments: With less than  four minutes left on the clock, the game was still wide open as Crvena zvezda Meridianbet held a slim 77:73 lead. Then came the turning point — a vital 6:0 run from the red-and-whites. That burst, fueled by aggressive defense and clutch execution, widened the gap to 83:73 and ultimately sealed the win for the home team.

However, not all news was good for the Belgrade side as during that 6:0 run Zvezda’s starting point guard Codi Miller-McIntyre, who had been instrumental up to that point, suffered an injury and had to leave the court. His status remains a major concern ahead of Game 2.

Man of the match: Before exiting due to injury, Codi Miller-McIntyre delivered a well-rounded performance that proved crucial in setting the tone for Zvezda’s win. The dynamic point guard tallied 13 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds, displaying his typical versatility and leadership.

Can’t trick the stats: Crvena zvezda Meridianbet’s control of the game was firmly rooted in their superior ball movement and rebounding presence. The red-and-whites dished out 10 assists more than Igokea m:tel (23 vs. 13), clearly showcasing their unselfish offensive flow and ability to create quality looks for each other. On top of that, Zvezda dominated the boards with 7 more rebounds (34 vs. 27), which proved vital in limiting second-chance opportunities for the visitors and securing crucial possessions down the stretch.