22 April 2019 - Crvena Zvezda is the 2019 ABA League champion. The Serbian team blew out the Montenegrin side and defending champ Budućnost VOLI 97:54 in Game 5 of the Finals to win the series 3:2.

Apart from claiming the title for the fourth time in the history of the club, Crvena Zvezda also got a position in the 2019-2020 EuroLeague. Zvezda is back in the top-tier competition after losing the spot to Budućnost VOLI last season.

K.C. Rivers scored a game-high 21 points for the winning side that practically finished the game by halftime. The hosts overpowered their opponents 29:8 in the second quarter to reach 47:21 at halftime. Budućnost VOLI was unable to react and lost further ground, despite coach Jasmin Repeša’s pleas to his players to try and finish the game as best as possible.

Budućnost VOLI received a rude welcome in the arena that led to the game being delayed, although similar incidents had taken place in Game 3 in Podgorica in Podgorica.

Norris Cole commented on the hostile pregame atmosphere against his team with some statements to Eurohoops.

“That was the most unacceptable and unprofessional basketball environment. The ABA league should be ashamed of what happened tonight. They threw chairs, drinks, spit, fireworks, and other objects on to the court and their fans ran on the court disrupting our warmups to the point we had to leave the court. Totally unsafe and unacceptable. The game should not have been played. But they threatened we would forfeit the championship if we did not return to the court,” stressed out Cole.

When Budućnost VOLI players entered the court for their warmup session, various objects were hurled at them from the stands. The squad immediately turned back to return to the locker room.

“When our players set out to enter the arena, total hysteria and throwing all possible hard things happened: coins, phone batteries, stones, full bottles, broom parts, lighters, chairs. About 40 fans entered the court and came to the bench of Budućnost VOLI, they spit on and physically attacked our players. Cole, Earl Clark, and Nemanja Gordić, who was hit with a chair stolen by a fan,” reported the official statement of Budućnost VOLI.

“Podgorica fans did not run on the court during warms up. They did not touch any players. They did not throw any chairs or multiple soda cups on the court. And the ABA league stepped in to control it, but they did not step up to control the environment in Belgrade. Podgorica did not vandalize the playing court,” stated Cole regarding the similar incidents that took place in Game 3 in Podgorica and brought a sanction to Budućnost VOLI.

Boriša Simanić had a key output since he dropped his 10 points in 10 minutes (on perfect 3/3 f.g., 3/3 f.t. shooting) of the first half. The Serbian forward also had a couple of highlights, two days after being announced for the NBA Draft. Dejan Davidovac added 11 points for Zvezda that prevailed despite missing Stratos Perperoglou.

No Budućnost VOLI player scored in double figures. Norris Cole scored nine while projected lottery pick in the 2019 Draft Goga Bitadze had seven points in 16:36.

After the game, Billy Baron of Crvena Zvezda was named MVP of the ABA Liga playoffs.

Source: Eurohoops

One of the heroes of the victory against “Red Star” in the fourth match of the play-off finals Edwin Jackson knows what the guys from Podgorica can expect in Belgrade, but also considers that such matches are something special in the career of players.

The French national was great in the last duel against the club from Belgrade.

"First of all, after two matches in Belgrade, we had to look at ourselves and admit that we played badly. Still, we managed to react and to even the score. On Monday, it is important that we play for each point and try to win and gain placement in the European league, which is our main goal and which we deserve. The “best of three” match in Belgrade is something special in our careers. The audience will be crazy, but these are the moments that you live for," said Jackson.

The tiebreaker game for the title of the ABA league will be played on Monday in Belgrade at 7 p.m.

Text by CdM/Dan, on April 21st 2019, read more at CdM

19 April 2019 - Game 5 will decide who will be the 2018/19 ABA League champion! Budućnost VOLI defeated Crvena zvezda mts in Game 4 in Podgorica, which means that the score in this series is now all tied - 2:2. 

Game 5 of the 2019 ABA League Finals will be played in on April 22, while Crvena zvezda mts will have a home court advantage in that match. Whoever wins that match will clinch the championship trophy.

Once again Budućnost VOLI made a big comeback for the win. The home team was down by 10 points in the 3rd quarter, however, they managed to reduce the gap to just 1 point before the start of the 4th quarter and prevail in a thrilling ending. Crvena zvezda mts had the lead 72:70 with 3 minutes left on the game clock, but then Budućnost VOLI made the key 9:0 run and went in front – 79:72. There was simply not enough time for the visitors to get back in this match.

Norris Cole has done it again! He is once again the man of the match. This 30-year old point guard scored 31 points, had 6 rebounds and 6 assists, while his overall index rating was 36!

Jackson banked four shots from deep on his way to 23 points and Earl Clark helped him with 15 points.

For Crvena Zvezda, Billy Baron had a great night with 24 points on 5-10 shooting from behind the arc while Mouhammad Faye and Ognjen Dobric added 14 points each.

Like in the previous match, the Crvena zvezda mts crew had problems with turnovers. They made 14 of them this evening. Edwin Jackson with 12 and Billy Baron with 14 points stole the spotlight in the first half but the latter’s squad had a 38-35 lead at halftime.

Source: Aba League News

18 April 2019 - Budućnost VOLI vs. Crvena zvezda mts, Game 4! The main question in front of Friday’s spectacle is whether the Aba League Finals will move back to Belgrade or everything will end in Podgorica?

Budućnost VOLI will once again have the home court advantage and will once again be in a must-win situation. Recall that the Blue side trail 1-2 in the final series, so they need to win the following match in order to keep that championship dream alive. They did it on Wednesday, now they have to do it again.

On the other side, Crvena zvezda mts missed their first match point, but now they have another chance to seize the 3^rd win in this series and win the ABA League title. It certainly won’t be an easy job as they will have the whole gym standing against them, but Zvezda have already defeated Budućnost VOLI in the Sports Center Morača this season. It happened in the 1^st part of the regular season.

Norris Cole was brilliant in Game 3, scoring 20 points and leading the Budućnost VOLI troops toward their first win in this series. He will once again confront Filip Čović, who has been one of the best players of Crvena zvezda mts so far in this series. We are about to see who will prevail this time.

So far, head to head in the regional league in total is 18:22, while in Podgorica it is 15:4 for Budućnost.

Source: Aba League News

Brewery "Trebjesa" and Niksicko Beer extended the sponsorship agreement with the Montenegrin Football Association, which has continued its long-standing support to the development of Montenegrin football.

A two-year sponsorship contract was signed by the Executive Director of "Trebjesa" Sanja Calasan and the President of the Montenegrin Football Association Dejan Savicevic.

"Today, with the signed sponsorship, we continue to support the Football Association and the National Team, as well as our company's investments in the development and popularization of the sport in Montenegro. The brewery "Trebjesa" supports different sports groups, both smaller as well as those at the national level," said Sanja Calasan, Executive Director of the brewery " Trebjesa".

"In addition to supporting the Football Association, we also prepared several activities for lovers of the most important sport in the world. We as the sponsors, players, but also the entire football community share the same dream - placement in the upcoming European Championship. I hope that dream will be realized and celebrated - with Nikcicko Beer."

President of the Montenegrin Football Association Dejan Savicevic expressed his satisfaction in continuing the cooperation with Trebjesa.

"I am extremely pleased that today we have the opportunity to extend the cooperation agreement with one of the most important Montenegrin companies, which has been active for many years on the sports scene of our country. The Football Association has a trusted partner in Niksic brewery who is very pleased to participate in the development and promotion of sports, especially football. We are confident that the outstanding relationship between this company and the Football Alliance will last much longer than it is stipulated by the contract signed today and that the cooperation will be even more successful than in the previous years.”

Text by Promo, on April 18th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

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

Jasmin Repesa, the coach of Buducnost Voli, reported to the players immediately after the second defeat to Crvena Zvezda. "I told them immediately at dinner that I need people now, not only the players, who are willing to accept such a situation. Whoever is not ready, stay at home. No one will be upset, but the moment is such," Repesa said, ahead of the third round of the ABA League final, which will be played in Podgorica on Wednesday, at 7 p.m.

He invited fans to support the team but emphasized:

"To give support to us, but to respect our opponent, that they do not experience what we have. That's what I ask them, that's the real audience from Podgorica, a Montenegrin audience. Fan support is needed and will make it easier for the players, but it is not enough - we should be smart, aggressive, disciplined, connected," said Repesa.

The Croatian coach spoke about the atmosphere in Belgrade.

"I just said what I saw, experienced and heard. I did not expect and experienced any trauma. Still, I'm a child from the street. I'm such a man - I can take a slap, but spitting is the most cowardly act. My intentions were not bad. Also, I do not acknowledge the punishment for their inheritance," said Repesa.

He admitted that he expected more.

"I was sure we would win one game in Belgrade based on the technical-tactical preparations we made. We started the matches well, but a small drop of concentration was enough for the opponent to enter the series and gain confidence. We stopped, this team missed playing for 40 minutes. But that's how it is," Repesa said.

"Concentration must be at this level; each professional player must be focused, that is the minimum that he must have. We cannot make any mistakes we've made. If someone hit over his arm, that's fine if the open three points are missed that's fine, but if the series of shots are missed then it's a sign that something with mental preparation is wrong," he emphasized.

A reaction is expected.

"There must be reactions due to the respect for the fans, to the employers, because there are only few places in Europe, which regularly pay off and fulfill their obligations. But first of all, it is necessary to react to our image and pride. Who does not react at this moment, has no pride and cannot play anywhere in the world," he said. The situation is tough, but we should be optimistic, Repesa said. "We know where the mistakes are; everything can be eliminated. I'm confident that tomorrow we will be watching a different match. The most important thing is to restore self-confidence, which is shaken but we can go back with the atmosphere as hosts," Repesa said.

Text by Vijesti Sport, on April 16th 2019, read more at Vijesti

April 15, 2019 - The Bay of Tivat was good for the final day of the 44Cup Porto Montenegro with three races held and the most worthy winner in Igor Lah's Team CEEREF. The Slovenian team led this first event of the 2019 44 Cup from the outset. Today, neither they nor Vladimir Prosikhin's team Nika won a race, but showed impeccable consistency, both enjoying a trio of podium place results, elevating team Nika from fourth to second overall.

Today's opening race went underway in light conditions, but eminently easy to race by the nimble RC44s. In this, Chris Bake's Aqua was winning and then team CEEREF ultimately finished ten boatlengths ahead.

"We missed doing another two of those," said Chris Bake. "It was a little shifty, but the boat was set up well. A big rotation of team members required work this week, but they seemed to be doing pretty well. The venue is magnificent - phenomenal infrastructure-wise."

On Thursday, Kirill Frolov on Bronenosec Sailing should have won the first race, holding a massive lead until their spinnaker exploded. The St Petersburg Yacht Club team made up for this in today's second race. After a giant split left and right up, they chose the favoured left and followed team CEEREF at the top mark. Then John Bassadone's Peninsula Petroleum took the right side of the run to claim the lead. Finally on the next upwind Bronenosec edged ahead, led at the top mark and on to the finish.

"If you are not in the hunt you can sail a freer race and everyone else isn't so worried about you," said tactician Cameron Dunn. "Overall we sailed our best day of the regatta. We felt like we made some nice improvements to our speed and generally got off the start line better."

It was the turn of Hugues Lepic's Aleph Racing to win the third and what turned out to be the final race, held on a new axis course, the wind having veered to the west. In what tactician Michele Ivaldi admitted was their first good start of the week, the French RC44 won the pin but then tacked over to cross the fleet. They benefitted on the right side of the course to lead at the top mark. From there the French RC44 was never challenged.

"It was great day but it was hard all the way through - that is what is so great about this class," said Lepic. "For us it was great to be able to finish on a high. The team now is stable and very high quality and we are very pleased about our manoeuvres. We hope to get some better positions over the course of this season."

Team CEEREF's victory at the 44Cup Porto Montenegro was by seven points from second placed Team Nika, in turn two ahead of Team Aqua, with Peninsula Petroleum relegated to fourth after a disappointing final race. Incredible, even though Lah's team won the seasons in both 2016 and 2017 and came close last year, the 44Cup Porto Montenegro is their first event win since the World Championship in Sotogrande three years ago.

44Cup Porto Montenegro, Copyright: Studio Martinez

However Lah was most proud to have won with his son Tine on board. "I feel proud that he's sailed his first regatta and won it," he said. "We had great starts. Everything was in place like it should be, and the teamwork was okay, especially since we only had one day of practice. I was really surprised, because I had a feeling we weren't going to race at all and then we got in nine races – Montenegro has been brilliant."

Team CEEREF's British tactician Adrian Stead added: "We said today 'no matter how many races we have, just try and keep your nose clean and sail your own races'. But there were moments in all three races.

Igor's concentration - particularly in the tight stuff, when he needed to put a tight leebow on someone or to tack in front of someone, was very good at executing it. Plus we didn't have a bad start all week. I am really pleased with how the team is, given we have three new people.

Having Tine sailing with us is excellent. He is not very experienced, so it really made us think about our manoeuvres. By coaching him it makes you do your things in a slightly different way."

While the racing is over, tomorrow a Pro-Am race will be sailed on a long distance coastal course, the nine RC44 sailing more guests on board than usual.

From Montenegro, the RC44s head up the Adriatic to Rovinj, Croatia for their second event of the season, the Adris 44Cup over 29 May to 2 June.

14 April 2019 - Crvena Zvezda mts defeated Budućnost VOLI once again and have therefore doubled their lead in the 2019 ABA League Finals with the score of 107:69! This means that the red and whites need just one more win to dethrone the reigning champions and to return the precious trophy to Belgrade.

Game 2 was a one way street from the beginning to the end. Crvena Zvezda mts simply outplayed Budućnost VOLI in every single game element and the 38-point margin at the end shows how much better the home team was in this match.

The only bad thing for the Belgrade side was the injury of Stratos Perperoglou, who had to leave the court at the end of the 3rd quarter.

Crvena Zvezda mts started building their lead already in the opening quarter and the margin just kept growing and growing throughout the match. The home side was even up by 40 points at one moment.

The man of the match award belongs to Stratos Perperoglou. The Greek forward scored 17 points before he had to leave the court due to injury. He also missed only one shot during the entire game as he was 4/4 for 2 points and 3/4 for 3 points.

When it comes to Crvena Zvezda mts, this was as close as you can get to the perfect game. The red and whites were 25/30 for 2 pointers, 12/25 for 3-pointers, they had 26 rebounds, 20 assists, ten steals and only seven turnovers. For Budućnost VOLI, Nemanja Gordic scored 11 points along with six assists while Filip Barović and James Bell added ten points each.

Source: Aba League News

12 April 2019 - Crvena zvezda mts have made the first step towards achieving their desired goal – returning the ABA League trophy to their trophy cupboard. They have beaten Budućnost VOLI in Game 1 of the ABA League Finals and have taken a 1:0 lead in the series. In a game, that seemed to be able to go anybody’s way in the first half, the hosts dominated the court in the second part of the clash and deservedly took the lead in the Finals.

The third quarter was crucial for Crvena zvezda mts on their way towards the victory in the end. They won the third period of the game 20:10 and converted their 3-point lead at the halftime (45:42) to a 13-point lead after 30 minutes (65:52). This was enough for their victory, as Budućnost VOLI did not manage to bounce back in the final quarter.

Billy Baron demonstrated a fantastic performance, with which he led Crvena zvezda mts to the huge win over Budućnost VOLI. He ended the clash with game-high 19 points (4/4 for 3 points) while adding five assists, four rebounds, two steals and a valuation of 27 to his stats. He is our man of the match!

At the losing side American point guard, Norris Cole responded with 18 points and four assists and the other American import forward Coty Clarke scored 8 points and six rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.