17 April 2019 - It is not over yet! Budućnost VOLI has defeated Crvena zvezda mts at home in Game 3 of the 2019 ABA League Finals and has, therefore, reduced their deficit in this series to 1-2. Despite a stellar first half by KC Rivers, Budućnost turned things around and got the 80-69 win. This means that the Game 4 in the 2019 ABA League Finals will be played. That match will be played in Sports Center Morača on Friday, April 19.
With more than 5,000 fans on their side, Budućnost VOLI managed to make a big comeback in Game 3. The Blue side was down by 12 points at one moment in the first half, while they conceded 50 points in the 1st and 2nd quarters combined. Still, the reigning champions refused to surrender and they started playing a lot better defense after the break. Budućnost VOLI made a 16:1 run in the third quarter and took over the lead which they did not drop until the end of the match. It must also be mentioned that the home team conceded just 22 points for the entire 2nd half.
Norris Cole was the man of the match as he stepped up for his team in Game 3. The two-time NBA champion scored 20 points and had seven rebounds, which shows how much he wanted to win this match.
Crvena zvezda mts had more turnovers (16) than assists (11), but still their biggest problem this evening was the fact that their offense just stopped working in the 2nd half. Also, the red and whites had more attempts for 3-points than for 2-points, and that is something you do not see that often.
Game 4 will be played on Friday and if needed, a Game 5 will be played on Monday at Belgrade. The winner of the series will not only get the ABA League championship title but also a ticket to next season’s Euro League.
Source: Aba League News
