Budućnost VOLI Takes Game 3 Against U-BT Cluj-Napoca and Advances to the Semifinals

AdmiralBet ABA League Quarterfinals Round 3, Tuesday, 12 May 2026:

BUDUĆNOST VOLI - U-BT Cluj-Napoca 112:81 (29:19, 26:24, 25:27, 32:11)

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POST-GAME COMMENTS

Game recap: Budućnost VOLI booked their place in the AdmiralBet ABA League semifinals after a convincing 112:81 win over U-BT Cluj-Napoca in Game 3 of the quarterfinal series. With the victory, Budućnost VOLI closed the series 2-1 and secured a semifinal clash against Dubai Basketball.

The home side set the tone early with an efficient offensive display and never allowed Cluj-Napoca to gain control of the contest. Budućnost VOLI led 29:19 after the opening quarter and carried a 55:43 advantage into halftime after shooting at a high percentage from the field.

Although the visitors reduced the gap to five points during the third quarter, the hosts responded every time momentum shifted. Budućnost VOLI entered the final period ahead 80:70 before delivering a dominant finish to put the game completely out of reach.

Rashid Sulaimon paced the winning side with 24 points, while Axel Bouteille added 21 points and 10 rebounds. Nikola Tanasković and Yogi Ferrell also reached double digits as Budućnost VOLI produced one of their most complete offensive performances of the season.

On the other side, Fatts Russell led U-BT Cluj-Napoca with 24 points.

Key moments: Budućnost VOLI established control during the opening quarter with aggressive attacking play and strong finishing around the basket. After building an early 11:5 lead, the hosts extended the margin to 17:10 midway through the period before Axel Bouteille scored twice in the final minute to push the advantage into double digits at 29:19.

The visitors briefly threatened a comeback midway through the third quarter. Following a 10:0 run that stretched from the end of the second quarter into the third, Cluj-Napoca cut the deficit to 55:49 and later came within 57:52. However, Budućnost VOLI answered each challenge and maintained control heading into the final 10 minutes.

The decisive stretch arrived at the start of the fourth quarter. Budućnost VOLI opened the period with a 9:0 run to increase the lead from 80:70 to 89:70 after just over two minutes of play. That burst effectively sealed the outcome, while the home side continued to build the margin until it reached a game-high 33 points late in the contest.

Man of the Match: Axel Bouteille delivered an outstanding all-around performance in the decisive game of the series.

The experienced forward finished the night with 21 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, a performance index rating of 28, and a +28 plus/minus rating. Bouteille was highly efficient throughout the game, shooting 9/12 from the field while contributing at both ends of the floor.

His scoring in the opening quarter helped Budućnost VOLI establish early momentum, while his presence on the glass and defensive activity played a major role in maintaining control throughout the game.

Can't Trick the Stats: The biggest statistical difference in Game 3 came from Budućnost VOLI’s dominance inside the paint.

The hosts converted an impressive 71% of their two-point attempts and finished the game with 68 points in the paint. In comparison, U-BT Cluj-Napoca shot 51% from two-point range and scored just 30 points inside.

That efficiency around the basket allowed Budućnost VOLI to consistently generate high-quality scoring opportunities and maintain offensive rhythm throughout the night. The difference in interior production ultimately became one of the key factors behind the convincing victory and the hosts’ advancement to the semifinals.