Zvezda Claim Huge Road Win in Podgorica

2025/26 AdmiralBet ABA League Group B Round 18, Monday, 9 February 2026:

Budućnost VOLI - CRVENA ZVEZDA MERIDIANBET 80:93 (29:22, 9:23, 26:22, 16:26)

PHOTO GALLERY

POST-GAME COMMENTS

Game Recap: Crvena zvezda Meridianbet picked up a valuable road win in Round 18 of the AdmiralBet ABA League, defeating Budućnost VOLI on the road and completing a season double against the Podgorica side - a detail that could prove very important once the Top 8 stage begins.

Still, despite the defeat, Budućnost VOLI will enter the next phase ahead of Crvena zvezda Meridianbet in the standings, having finished the regular season with a 13-3 record, while Zvezda closed it at 12-4.

Key Moments: From the opening tip, it was clear that this would be a high-level battle. The two teams exchanged the lead throughout the night, with neither side managing to create a significant advantage for most of the game. Intensity was high on both ends, and the contest remained wide open deep into the fourth quarter.

The decisive stretch came midway through the final period. Crvena zvezda Meridianbet found their shooting rhythm from long range, as Yago dos Santos, Semi Ojeleye and Jordan Nwora all knocked down huge three-pointers. At the same time, Ebuka Izundu took full control of the paint, dominating the boards, protecting the rim, and providing the physical edge Zvezda needed.

That combination allowed the visitors to create separation, escape to a safe distance and close the game out for a double-digit victory.

Man of the Match: Ebuka izundu! While Izundu scored 7 points in the fourth quarter, his biggest impact came through defense, rebounding and physical presence in the last 10 minutes. His control of the paint during Zvezda’s decisive run was crucial in turning a tight contest into a comfortable road win.

Can’t trick the stats: Crvena zvezda Meridianbet won the fourth quarter 26:16, and that dominant final-period performance made all the difference. When it mattered most, the visitors stepped up on both ends - and that’s how this one was decided in Podgorica.