Crvena zvezda defeated Budućnost 101-91 in Belgrade’s Aleksandar Nikolić Hall on Saturday in the ABA League’s third round. The home side controlled the game early, leading 26-21 after the first quarter and extending the margin to 13 by halftime.
Budućnost, missing injured players Džuvan Morgan and Oleksandr Kovijar, mounted a late rally in the third quarter, cutting an 18-point deficit to eight early in the fourth. Justin Smith (18 points, 10 rebounds) and Stefan Đorđević (16 points, 9 rebounds) led the visitors’ effort, but missed open three-point attempts by Aksel Butej and Emir Hadžibegović stalled their momentum. Crvena zvezda capitalized, with Džordan Nvora scoring 24 points (6-of-6 from three) and David Kremer adding 16 (4-of-4 from three) to secure the win.
The final quarter saw Budućnost briefly threaten, with Đorđije Jovanović’s late three-pointers narrowing the gap to 99-89 with 1:30 remaining, but Crvena zvezda’s composure and shooting sealed the victory. The hosts also played without Džared Butler and Čime Moneke, while center Ebuke Izundu left the game with an apparent leg injury in the first half.
Officials recorded the final score as 101-91, with Crvena zvezda’s balanced attack—Karter (14), Džons (13), and Odželej (9) also contributing—overcoming Budućnost’s 18 offensive rebounds and late surge.
