Buducnost defeated Krka 82-69 in the third round of the ABA League, remaining one of the four undefeated teams in the new season.
Krka, led by Jurij Macura, had a slightly better start in the match at Moraca, but the home team took full control of the game from the fifth minute onwards. The inspired Yoan Makoundou and McKinley Wright imposed their rhythm and led Buducnost to a comeback, ending the first quarter with a two-possession lead of 24-20.
Andrija Grbovic increased his team’s lead to double digits early in the second quarter, which was just the beginning of Krka’s problems (33-23). Soon, the lead extended to 17 points in favor of Buducnost, but Gasper Okorn’s team managed to muster some strength towards the end of the first half, creating a 9-3 run to reduce the deficit to a more manageable 45-34.
Petar Mijovic’s team maintained control of the game until the second half of the third quarter when Krka found a good rhythm and reduced the deficit to single digits (60-52). An 8-0 run gave Krka a new burst of energy, bringing them within seven points just before the final 10 minutes (64-57).
Leon Stergar and Jurij Macura kept their team competitive until Makoundou’s plays helped regain a double-digit lead for Buducnost (74-63). A few poorly executed offensive plays by Krka opened up opportunities for Podgorica to further extend their lead (79-66), securing their third victory of the new season.
McKinley Wright was the leading scorer for Buducnost with 17 points, while Leon Stergar also contributed 17 points for Krka.
Budućnost remains undefeated in the new season of the ABA League, now with three wins, while Krka stands at a 1-2 record after three rounds.
In the fourth round of the ABA League, Buducnost will play against Cibona in Zagreb, while Krka will host Zadar.