The visitors held the London Lions under 60 points in dominant EuroCup opener
Buducnost set the tone in London in bid to build defensive identity
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Regular Season
Round 1 of 18
Regular Season
group b
London LionsLDN
5986
Buducnost VOLI PodgoricaBUD
group b
Overview
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w
Establishing a strong identity is a crucial first step for any team with big ambitions – and Buducnost VOLI Podgorica made a clear statement about theirs on Thursday night.
In a commanding 59-86 road win over the London Lions, Buducnost left little doubt about its commitment to defensive intensity.
“I don’t think we could have asked for a much better start,” said Rasheed Sulaimon after the game. “Like Coach said in the locker room, we have high aspirations this year. From the guys who came back to the new additions, I thought it was a great performance. We played a great game and showed that defense can be our identity this year.”
Coming off a run to the EuroCup Eighthfinals last season, Buducnost is aiming to go further this time around. The performance in London was a promising first step.
Andrej Zakelj’s side set the tone early, holding the Lions to just 12 and 13 points respectively in the opening two quarters. Buducnost stayed aggressive throughout, forcing 15 turnovers and converting them into 17 points, many coming in transition.
“As we continued to raise the intensity on defense, I don’t think it’s a coincidence – that’s when we started to separate,” Sulaimon added.
Nikola Tanaskovic led the way with 13 points and praised the team effort:
“All the guys gave their maximum. We played great defense from the start. A great start to the season for us.”
After allowing 93 points in their last-16 loss to Turk Telekom Ankara last season, Buducnost has made defensive improvement a clear priority. If Thursday was any indication, the Montenegrin side is on the right track and it will now aim to build on that momentum at home next week against Dolomiti Energia Trento.