Buducnost Voli Podgorica wins ABA battle at the top

When Buducnost Voli Podgorica traveled to the Serbian capital to play Partizan Belgrade this weekend, something had to give. Both clubs sat atop the Adriatic League (ABA) with unbeaten 6-0 records, but only one club would maintain that 100% record for at least another week. The honor went to Buducnost Voli Podgorica, the club picking up 61-64 road win.

In victory, Buducnost ensured it owns top spot in the ABA on its own with a 7-0 record. That may change on Monday when Crvena Zvezda Belgrade plays and puts its own unblemished record on the line.

The guests looked to be cruising courtesy of an excellent first quarter that sent the Montenegrin outfit to an 11-18 lead. Partizan came to life in the second quarter and drained 26 points while keeping Buducnost at 12 points. It was enough to send the hosts into the long break with a big 37-30 lead. The momentum swung again in the third act as Partizan crumbled with just 9 points, allowing the guests to plunder 15 and make it a one point game.

Through thirty minutes the scoreboard read 46-45 and suddenly Buducnost Voli Podgorica was controlling the game, despite trailing. In the fourth quarter the league leaders piled on the pressure for a winning frame that resulted in victory.

Marcus Williams led a low-scoring win with 13 points, followed by Shawn James with 12 points and J.R. Reynolds with 10 points.

Novica Velikkovic grabbed a game high 15 points for Partizan, while Uros Lukovic took 12 points in the losing effort.