BARAĆ: “THINGS WE HAVE BEEN DOING VERY WELL THROUGHOUT THE SEASON WERE NOT AT A SATISFACTORY LEVEL, I EXPECT US TO BE BETTER IN THE SECOND GAME”

Mega MIS basketball players put up a good fight at the start of the semifinal series of the Serbian Superleague, but they couldn’t surprise Partizan Mozzart Bet in an away game, losing 82-72 (22-22, 18-20, 23-13, 19-17). Marko Barać’s team found themselves in a double-digit deficit in the middle of the first quarter but managed to equalize by the end of the period with a great series, and after an even battle in the second quarter, they had a two-point lead at halftime. Partizan then managed to pull away in the third quarter. Mega didn’t give up, tried in every way to come back, and managed to close the gap in the last two minutes, but didn’t have the strength for a big comeback, thus losing the first game in the semifinal series, which was played to two wins, 0-1.

Mega MIS coach Marko Barać shared his impressions at the press conference after the match:

“Congratulations to Partizan on a deserved victory. We knew it wouldn’t be an easy task. During the break from the ABA league semifinals, we tried to integrate several players into the team, and it’s certainly not easy when such changes occur at this stage. It’s not easy to maintain our rhythm in the season so far. We quickly have a rematch, a completely new game in which I expect us to be better. With shooting percentages like this, there is no chance to beat a great opponent. We didn’t manage to get to the free-throw line enough times; we attacked the rim without enough toughness. These are things we have been doing very well throughout the season, but tonight they were not at a satisfactory level. On the other hand, the players are gaining invaluable experience playing against a great opponent and renowned players, where any relaxation in defense, especially in one-on-one situations, is brutally punished. These are the lessons we need to take from this game, to be better in the next one, and to give everything to meet again in the Arena,” said Barać.

The most effective player for Mega MIS in the first semifinal match, Filip Jović, emphasized that the team will give their best to force a decisive third game.

“Congratulations to Partizan on a fair and correct game and a deserved victory. We fought until the last minute and will do our best to get back into this series on Monday,” added Jović.

The second match of the Serbian Superleague semifinals is scheduled for Monday, May 27, at 20:00, and Mega MIS will host Partizan at TC Dejan Milojević. Due to the hall’s limited capacity, tickets will not be on sale but will be distributed to club friends and sponsors.

If Mega MIS wins and ties the series, the third match will be played on Thursday, May 30, at 18:00, with Partizan being the host in the Belgrade Arena again.

Photo: KK Partizan/Dragana Stjepanović