BARAĆ: “THE BIGGEST ISSUES WERE IN REBOUNDING AND SECOND-CHANCE POINTS; WE NEEDED TO OFFER GREATER RESISTANCE”

The basketball players of Mega MIS were unable to secure their sixth victory in the ABA League this season, as they lost to SC Derby in Podgorica after 40 minutes of intense battle in the 10th round with a score of 89:82 (17:17, 29:19, 13:24, 30:22). Marko Barać’s chosen ones entered the decisive 10 minutes with a lead after a comeback in the third quarter but failed to maintain it. They fought until the last moment but lacked the strength to turn the result around once again. After 10 rounds, they have a 5-5 record in the regional competition, while Studentski Centar improved to 6-4.

Coach Marko Barać shared his impressions at the post-match press conference:

“We managed in the third quarter to find a lineup that could compete with the opponent in rebounding and raise aggressiveness in defense, playing the way we wanted. We took the lead, but obviously, only that lineup worked tonight. As soon as we tried to refresh it and maintain the same rhythm, the host quickly regained the lead. Then we made a few bad decisions in the fast break, and that was it. When you look at the statistics, it’s clear where the biggest problems were, where SC Derby’s advantage came into play – in rebounding, and second-chance points. We knew in preparation that the home team is second in offensive rebounds in the ABA League, and first in second-chance points. We were missing two true centers in the roster, coming without captain Plavšić and Janković, and probably lacking a bit of physicality in the paint. However, the only thing in basketball that is a matter of desire is rebounding – and it had to be better tonight. We needed to offer greater resistance. We will continue to train, prepare for the next games, and work on the elements that weren’t good tonight. We will strive to continue with the things we’ve done well so far. I wish the host good luck in the rest of the season,” said Barać.

In the next round, Mega MIS will host Crvena Zvezda, with the game scheduled for Monday, December 11, at 18:00 in the Ranko Žeravica Sports Hall.

Photo: SC Derby/Filip Filipović