Budućnost VOLI and U-BT Cluj-Napoca Open Quarter-Finals Battle in Podgorica
The Playoffs are here, and the battle for a place in the semi-finals begins in Podgorica, where Budućnost VOLI and U-BT Cluj-Napoca open their best-of-3 Quarter-Finals series on Tuesday evening.
(Photo: Buducnost VOLI/Filip Roganovic)
2025/26 AdmiralBet ABA League Payoffs, Quarter-Finals, Game 1, Tuesday, 5 May 2026:
BUDUĆNOST VOLI - U-BT CLUJ-NAPOCA
Where? Morača Sports Hall, Podgorica
When? 18:45
Story of the Game: The Playoffs are here, and the battle for a place in the semi-finals begins in Podgorica, where Budućnost VOLI and U-BT Cluj-Napoca open their best-of-3 Quarter-Finals series on Tuesday evening. With both teams already well familiar with each other this season, Game 1 promises high intensity, adjustments, and a strong statement from the very first tip-off.
This will be the 3rd clash between these two sides in the AdmiralBet ABA League this season, and their 4th overall meeting in the 2025/26 campaign. Budućnost VOLI have had the upper hand in regional competition, winning both ABA League encounters, but U-BT Cluj-Napoca showed their quality on the continental stage, defeating the Podgorica side in the BKT EuroCup Round of 16 - right here in Morača.
That result still echoes as a warning sign for the hosts.
Budućnost VOLI now return to their fortress determined to protect home court and take the early lead in the series. Backed by their passionate crowd, the blue and whites will aim to impose their rhythm, tighten their defense, and avoid the kind of breakdown that cost them their EuroCup run. Experience in high-pressure AdmiralBet ABA League games could play a key role, especially in a playoff opener where nerves and execution often collide.
On the other side, U-BT Cluj-Napoca arrive with confidence and belief. Their victory in Podgorica earlier this season proved that they can handle the atmosphere and deliver under pressure. The Romanian side will try to pick their moments offensively, and once again look for a composed, efficient performance away from home.
Match-up in focus: Yogi Ferrell vs Daron Russell.
All eyes will be on a point guard duel between Yogi Ferrell and Daron Russell - two elite scorers capable of taking over games single-handedly.
Ferrell brings leadership, experience, and the ability to control tempo, while Russell is known for his explosive scoring bursts and fearless shot-making. Both guards have already delivered multiple standout performances throughout their ABA League journeys, often carrying their teams in crucial moments.
Whichever of the two finds his rhythm first - and sustains it - could very well tilt not only Game 1, but the entire series.
Head-to-Head Score in ABA: In total 2:0; In Podgorica 1:0.
