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Metalac put up a good fight in the first head-to-head game

Buducnost want to confirm their last round win at Pionir today, while Metalac want to make amends after the defeat to Zadar

ABA liga

Metalac are continuing the series of home games against Buducnost today. These two teams opened ABA League this season, with Metalac putting up a good fight and now hope they can do the same today despite being drained of energy, as the Zadar game clearly proved. On the other hand, Buducnost recorded a great win over Partizan in Belgrade last round and are now looking to continue the streak.

- Buducnost are Euroleague material, it's what they were built for and they are preparing to qualify for Europe at season's end - coach Vladimic Djokic said. He added that no one is invincible and that Metalac will be better than against Zadar last season.

They were very aggressive in that match, but ti wasn't enough in the end, even though it got them in over time. it was quite clear, though, that they lack in physical fitness, what with all the mistakes, the missed shorts, and great number of offensive fauls.

- We didn't have much time to analyze the last game, we're on a busy schedule, with games each Saturday and Wednesday. We started practicing harder, we have a tough game against Buducnost ahead, but we won't have it easy since they're the favorite - Jevtovic said. He was one of Metalac's key players in the Zadar game, finshing with 11 points. He will now face Vitkovac and Dasic, who are in good rhythm. Jevtovic will have a tough time today because both Vitkovac and Dasic are physically inferior. 

Djokic is certainly worried about Malesevic's performance in the last game. He played a horrible game on both ends of the floor and got in trouble with personal fauls quickly. His good performances is necessary in the matchup against Sehovic, who is key Buducnost's player.

Center Salic's joining the team will not happen for now (left Partizan) because of some some unresolved issues with his first club Sarajevo. 

Buducnost ended the first part of this regional competitionin the runner-up spot with 11 wins and 2 defeats. They recorded a great win in Belgrade over Partizan and now travel to Serbia for another game, this time in Valjevo. The Partizan game was probably their most complete performance of the season, they played high-pace defense, while Sehovic lead the offense with 18 points and 15 rebounds to turn into the man of the match.

- We prepared well, both tactically and mentally to stay as calmer as possible in that atmosphere. The players did everything we planned, we stayed calm when they got close and I think we won deservedly in the end - coach Jovovic said. He can count on all of his players today.

- Metalac's performances in the last period are good, even though the results suggest otherwise. They are good and we're in for a very tough game. We are not be bursting with energy after the Partizan game - it was tiring, both physically and mentally - Jovivic said and added:

- They had a problem since they opened the League on a 6-game road trip, but managed to beat Union Olimpija regardless. We're in for a tough game. I'm sure we have character and that we're growing as a team. We will try and do our best to win some points. We're all healthy, we had some practice sessions in Belgrade and we'll do another one in Valjevo. I hope everyone will be able to play.

Buducnost beat Belgrade on account of tough defense and good-quality attacking lead by Sehovic and Planinic (14 points). Planinic and Cook are one of the key aspects of Buducnost's game and they will use that a lot today. Majstorovic will guard Planinic, but he's not as good at it to cause problems for Buducnost's player.