Budućnost VOLI dominate Game 1 and take the lead in the semi-final series vs. Crvena zvezda Meridianbet

2024/25 AdmiralBet ABA League Semifinals Round 1, Monday, 26 May 2025:

BUDUĆNOST VOLI – Crvena zvezda Meridianbet 104:70 (27:18, 29:22, 25:13, 23:17)

PHOTO GALLERY

Game recap: Budućnost VOLI delivered a near-perfect performance in Game 1 of the AdmiralBet ABA League semi-finals, overpowering Crvena zvezda Meridianbet 104:70 in front of a packed Morača Sports Hall. From tip-off to the final buzzer, the Podgorica side dictated the pace, intensity, and scoreboard, taking full advantage of their home court to grab a precious 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

Budućnost opened the game with confidence, hitting their stride early and finishing the first half with 56 points, holding a 16-point advantage at the break (56:40). Any hope of a Crvena zvezda Meridianbet’s comeback was quickly erased in the third quarter, as Budućnost VOLI turned up the pressure and delivered a 25:13 stretch that brought them a 28-point lead (81:53) ahead of the final 10 minutes. The 4^th quarter only confirmed the inevitable as Budućnost VOLI cruised to a 34-point win.

Game 2 of the series shifts to Belgrade and will be played on Thursday, June 29. Crvena zvezda Meridianbet will need a major turnaround to keep their season alive, while Budućnost VOLI will aim to finish the job and book their ticket to the Finals.

Key moments: The turning point came at the very end of the first quarter. As the buzzer sounded, Rasheed Sulaimon drilled an and-1 three-pointer, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and giving Budućnost VOLI a wave of momentum they would ride for the rest of the game.

Man of the match: Rasheed Sulaimon was the engine behind Budućnost VOLI’s dominance. The American guard poured in 24 points, including 5 three-pointers, and was a constant problem for Zvezda’s perimeter defense. His and-1 buzzer-beater to end the first quarter will go down as one of the iconic moments of the 2025 Playoffs — a momentum-shifting highlight that ignited both the team and the crowd.

Can't trick the stats: The numbers tell the story — Budućnost VOLI were simply on another level. The Podgorica team shot a blistering 15/30 from beyond the arc, showcasing both efficiency and shot selection. In stark contrast, Crvena zvezda Meridianbet struggled to find rhythm from deep, finishing just 8/29 from three-point range.