Can Crvena zvezda Meridianbet respond or will Budućnost VOLI close the series?
The semi-final series between Budućnost VOLI and Crvena zvezda Meridianbet moves to Belgrade for Game 2 in which the red-and-whites will try to save the season, while on the other side the blue-and-whites will try to finish the job and advance to the Finals.
(Photo: Buducnost VOLI/Filip Roganovic)
2024/25 AdmiralBet ABA League Semifinals Round 2, Thursday, 29 May 2025:
CRVENA ZVEZDA MERIDIANBET – BUDUĆNOST VOLI
Where? Belgrade Arena, Belgrade
When? 20:00
Story of the game: The semi-final series between Budućnost VOLI and Crvena zvezda Meridianbet moves to Belgrade for Game 2 in which the red-and-whites will try to save the season, while on the other side the blue-and-whites will try to finish the job and advance to the Finals.
The pressure is on Crvena zvezda Meridianbet ahead of Game 2 as, following a heavy 104:70 defeat in Game 1, the red-and-whites now face elimination on their home court. Still, the red-and-whites have every reason to believe in a bounce-back. They boast a dominant 26-6 all-time home record against Budućnost VOLI in the AdmiralBet ABA League and will be backed by thousands of passionate fans at the Belgrade Arena. Another home win against their old rivals would keep their title hopes alive as it would take this series into Game 3.
On the other side, Budućnost VOLI were nothing short of dominant in the opener, controlling the tempo from the opening tip and shooting lights-out from beyond the arc (15 three-pointers made). With one win already in their pocket, the Podgorica side are just 40 minutes away from the Finals and they will do everything they can to close the series in Belgrade. Budućnost VOLI have already defeated Crvena zvezda Meridianbet on the road in this season as they won the regular-season clash in Belgrade when they defeated their old rivals in overtime – 96:89.
Match-up in focus: Nemanja Nedović (Crvena zvezda Meridianbet) vs. Rasheed Sulaimon (Budućnost VOLI).
Crvena zvezda Meridianbet desperately need Nemanja Nedović to step up in this must-win game. The veteran guard was pivotal earlier in the season when Zvezda defeated Budućnost in Podgorica, scoring 6 three-pointers in the 2nd half. His ability to create off the dribble and stretch the floor will be key if Zvezda are to reclaim control of the series.
On the other side, Rasheed Sulaimon was the undisputed MVP of Game 1. With 24 points, 5 three-pointers, and multiple key buckets, he spearheaded Budućnost VOLI's offensive explosion. If he catches fire again, Budućnost VOLI’s path to the Finals could become reality by the final buzzer in Belgrade.
Head-to-head score in the regional league: In total 34:28; In Belgrade 26:6.
