By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Opening the Semifinals of the AdmiralBet ABA League Playoffs and protecting homecourt advantage in a best-of-three series, Partizan Mozzart Bet restored a double-digit advantage in the final minute to defeat Buducnost VOLI in Belgrade Arena on Tuesday. A win, 78-67, shaped a 1-0 lead.
Tucking in five triples, Zach LeDay registered a game-high 15 points. Making 5/5 two-pointers in the first half, Frank Kaminsky went on to a 13-point showing for the team coached by Zeljko Obradovic. Aleksa Avramovic and Kevin Punter chipped in 11 points apiece. Balsa Koprivica and Ognjen Jaramaz were sidelined with minor injuries.
With Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs action in nearby Aleksandar Nikolic Hall, the Belgrade Arena hosted Game 1 of a best-of-three series.
Cutting into a 16-point deficit and trailing by one four points down the stretch, the visitors fell shy of a comeback win in Belgrade. Yoan Makoundou tallied a team-high 14 points.
One more win is required for the ABA champions to place in a best-of-five championship series, scheduled to start on Monday, May 13. Archrival Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet ranking first in the Regular Season carries attached homecourt advantage from a series versus Mega MIS to a potential berth in the Final of the regional league.
Moving to Montenegro, Buducnost hosts Game 2 on Tuesday. The other semifinal series tips off on Friday with Game 2 set for Tuesday as well. Game 3 do-or-die action, if necessary across both series, is set for Friday, May 10.
Photo Credit: ABA-Liga.com