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Levski hoping for a Christmas miracle

Zvezda recorded their historical 13th ABA League win and aren't planning on stopping, especially not against Levski

ABA liga

Only two days after recording their historical 13th win in ABA League, the leader Crvena Zvezda are faced with a new challenge as they meet bottom table Levski today. Levski put up a good fight against Cibona, but they are the underdog here with only one win in ABA League so far. On top of that, their fans are banned from the arena for this game, which is not stopping them to hope for a Christmas miracle.

Levski met Cibona three days ago at this very arena to lose by 10 points in the end. The final point difference is not realistic because Levski were only 4 points down with one minute on the clock, but Cibona managed to score two three pointers and settle the game.

- We played a good first half, we fought, but our roster is not as long since Ivanov got injured. Cibona scored 8 points in the last minute to decide the game. I think a point-difference of 4 or 5 would have painted a better picture of what was happening on the pitch. I hope we will finally get lucky as we meet Zvezda - coach Papzov said.

Dimitar Dimitrov recorded team-best 14 points, while Marinov added 10 in the Cibona game. Marinov should step in for the injured Ivanov, who is out today to create even bigger problems for the already ailing Levski, the team that lack good-quality players who could stand up t Zvezda.

- Zvezda are better when it comes to every aspect of the game. They have done impressive first part of the season and we are now face with the toughest of challenges, the only thing I can promise is that we will do our best - Papazov said. He had everyone expect Ivanov at his disposal.

Levski has been struggling with offense greatly in ABA League this season and now have to face the best defense in the league. They were close for quite some time in the first head-to-head with Zvezda thanks to their shooters, who are their greatest and the only weapon.

Crvena Zvezda set the new ABA League straight wins record when they beat MTZ (79-76) for the 13th consecutive win. 

After a brilliant first half in Skopje, which Zvezda finished 20 points ahead MZT managed to get back in the game to even take the lead at one point (64-63). But Zvezda players stayed calm and managed to win in the end. 

- The rhythm was fierce and we used up a lot of energy. But, we need to do everything to get more consistent. Our performance got worse in the second half but it luckily didn't affect the final score. We can't let that happen in the second part of the season. Still, we displayed team spirit character and managed to stay calm in the key moments. We got back to the basic principles of our game and that, together with a tough defense saw us win - Dangubic said.

Point guard Willimas was one of Zvezda's top players in the first half. Mitrovic joined in later to play a good game, just like center Zirbes who might spend a lot of time in the game today since the coach plans to rest Marjanovic to some extent.

Zvezda started their bus ride from Skopje to Bulgaria on Tuesday and had their only practice session last night. 

- The schedule is tough, there's no time for resting. We are the favorites, one glance at the table suggests that, but we need to prove it on the court. We need to display quality and that can happen only if we do our best. We want to continue the wining streak - Dangubic said.