BARAĆ: “WE’VE FINISHED THIS JOURNEY IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY, BUT WE’RE NOT DONE YET”

Mega MIS basketball players defeated Igokea in Laktaši 78:92 (17:23, 28:24, 15:20, 18:25) in the final round of the ABA League regular season, securing the fourth position in the standings before the play-offs with a record-breaking seven consecutive victories. Marko Barać’s team led most of the game, gradually establishing control and resolving doubts about the outcome with outstanding play in the final quarter. With a record of 16-10, they concluded the first phase of the competition and, thanks to a series of excellent results, will have home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs against Cedevita Olimpija (played to two wins). Igokea, with 13 wins and losses each, finished seventh and advanced to the quarterfinals.

Coach Marko Barać shared his impressions after the 16th victory of the season at the press conference in Laktaši:

“Congratulations to my players on the victory. It was tough, just as we expected. Igokea players showed great character; this game may not have had much significance in terms of results for them, but they fought from the first minute and let us know that nothing would be easy. I congratulate them on that. In the first half, we reacted poorly to ball pressure and defended the three-point line poorly. These were all things that needed to be corrected at halftime, and I think we did that in the best possible way. In the second half, we reduced the number of turnovers to just four; 14 is a figure that allows you to stay in the game in a serious match. I am very satisfied with numerous assists, points from fast breaks in the second half, and beautiful plays. It was a tough time to play, but it’s always nice to play in this arena, and it’s a great pleasure to come to Laktaši I look forward to some upcoming matches, and I wish them luck in the playoffs and also in the League of Six. As for us, we’ve finished this journey, which lasted quite a long time, in the best possible way. I don’t want to analyze the season too much because we’re not done yet,” said Barać.

The playoffs are next, and Mega MIS will face Cedevita Olimpija in the quarterfinals. Marko Barać’s team will play at home in the first and, if necessary, the third games of the series, which is played to two wins.

Photo: Mega MIS