One game, one goal: Budućnost VOLI and Crvena zvezda Meridianbet battle for a spot in the Finals
It all comes down to this. After two intense battles, Budućnost VOLI and Crvena zvezda Meridianbet are tied at 1-1 in their Semi-Finals series, with everything on the line in the deciding Game 3 in Podgorica. One team advances to the Finals. The other sees their title dreams end.
(Photo: Buducnost VOLI/Filip Roganovic)
2024/25 AdmiralBet ABA League Semifinals Round 3, Sunday, 1 June, 2025:
BUDUĆNOST VOLI – CRVENA ZVEZDA MERIDIANBET
Where? Morača Sports Hall, Podgorica
When? 21:00
Story of the game: It all comes down to this. After two intense battles, Budućnost VOLI and Crvena zvezda Meridianbet are tied at 1-1 in their Semi-Finals series, with everything on the line in the deciding Game 3 in Podgorica. One team advances to the Finals. The other sees their title dreams end.
The home team has ruled in this series so far. Budućnost VOLI opened the clash with a thunderous 104:70 win in Game 1, setting the tone with pace, physicality, and offensive firepower. But Crvena zvezda Meridianbet responded with authority in Game 2, putting up 100 points to even the score and keep their championship hopes alive.
The stage now shifts back to Morača, where both teams have shared success this season. Budućnost VOLI dominated Game 1 on this floor, but Crvena zvezda Meridianbet has already proven they can win in Podgorica, having edged a 75:73 victory in the regular season. In a rivalry where emotion runs deep and margins are so thin, the smallest detail can make all the difference.
It’s a rivalry renewed, a fight for the Finals, and a test of championship DNA.
Match-up in focus: McKinley Wright IV (Budućnost VOLI) vs. Nemanja Nedović (Crvena zvezda Meridianbet).
McKinley Wright IV, the 2024/25 AdmiralBet ABA League Regular Season MVP, has delivered all season long—and he’s been especially dangerous in big games. His combination of speed, decision-making, and relentless energy makes him the engine behind Budućnost VOLI’s offense. Expect him to attack early and often, looking to set the tempo and get his team rolling in front of home crowd.
Facing him is Nemanja Nedović, a veteran who has delivered some big performances in Podgorica before. In the regular season, he erupted with six 3-pointers in the second half to lead Crvena zvezda Meridianbet to a statement win on the road. When the pressure rises, Nedović doesn’t flinch—he responds with big-time buckets.
Head-to-head score in the regular season: In total 28:35; In Podgorica 22:8.
