Buducnost Voli Dominates London Lions in EuroCup Opener

Buducnost Voli convincingly opened their EuroCup season with an impressive victory over the London Lions, winning 86-59 on October 5, 2023. The Montenegrin team showcased their ambitions for the tournament, aiming to compete for the trophy that offers a pathway to the EuroLeague.

Under the guidance of coach Andrej Zakelj, Buducnost secured their third consecutive win against the London Lions, having previously triumphed in both encounters during the 2022/23 season’s group phase. The team displayed a strong performance, particularly in the second quarter, which proved decisive for the outcome of the match.

In a balanced effort, Zakelj utilized 11 players, ensuring that all but one—Andrija Slavkovic—contributed to the scoring. Leading the charge for Buducnost was Nikola Tanaskovic, who scored 13 points, alongside six rebounds and three assists. Teammates Rashid Sulejmon, Skylar Mayes, and Aksel Butej each added 12 points to the tally, while London’s only double-digit scorer was Kameron McGusty, who managed 13 points.

Second Quarter Surge Secures Buducnost’s Lead

The match’s turning point came in the second quarter when Buducnost unleashed a remarkable 17-0 run, extending their lead to as much as 25 points at 40-15. After leading 6-0, Buducnost faced a brief challenge from London, who tied the game at 9-9. However, the Montenegrin side quickly regained control, finishing the first half with a commanding 46-25 advantage.

Despite an early struggle to score, Buducnost’s shooting improved significantly, achieving a 77.8% success rate on two-point attempts compared to London’s 26.7%. The team also demonstrated a stronger rebounding presence, securing 12 boards to London’s eight, although they faced challenges with turnovers and steals in the opening half.

Mayes hit a three-pointer at the start of the second quarter, giving Buducnost a 23-12 edge. Following a brief timeout called by Zakelj, who aimed to address his team’s recent lapses, Buducnost responded with their scoring spree. By halftime, they had solidified their dominance, shooting 70.6% from two-point range and 44.4% from beyond the arc.

Maintaining Control in the Second Half

Buducnost maintained their momentum into the second half, though they faced increased pressure from London’s outside shooting. Despite London making four three-pointers during the third quarter, Buducnost never allowed the lead to fall below 19 points. A late three-pointer from London’s Williams cut the margin to 58-39, prompting another timeout from Zakelj.

After regrouping, Buducnost restored their 25-point advantage by the end of the third quarter, leading 66-41. The team improved their three-point shooting percentage to 53.5%, demonstrating their offensive versatility.

With a comfortable lead heading into the final quarter, Buducnost controlled the game, ultimately securing the 27-point victory.

Next, Buducnost Voli will host Trento on October 8, 2023, in their second EuroCup match. Before that, they will compete in the ABA League against Spartak Subotica, who triumphed in the same arena last season.

As the EuroCup season progresses, Buducnost Voli looks poised to make a significant impact, aiming for a strong run that could lead them to the prestigious EuroLeague.