Regional Derby in Podgorica: Zvezda Faces Budućnost VOLI in High-Stakes Battle

PODGORICA – The regional basketball spotlight shifts to the Morača Sports Center tomorrow, Monday, February 9, as Crvena zvezda Meridianbet takes on Budućnost VOLI in a pivotal Round 18 clash of the AdmiralBet ABA League. Tip-off is scheduled for 18:00 CET.

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A Battle for Standings and Momentum

This matchup comes at a critical juncture for both teams. Crvena zvezda enters the game looking to shake off a heartbreaking 82–83 loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague just 48 hours ago. Despite a stellar 22-point performance from Jordan Nwora, the “Red-and-Whites” fell in the final seconds, ending their five-game winning streak in elite European competition.

In the ABA League, Zvezda remains a dominant force, currently sitting near the top of the table. However, Budućnost has proven to be a formidable host, boasting a 13–2 home record this season. A win for the Podgorica side would significantly bolster their chances of securing a top-two seed for the playoffs, while a Zvezda victory would solidify their lead at the summit.

Key Matchups to Watch

• The Scoring Duel: Zvezda’s Jordan Nwora (averaging 19.8 PPG recently) vs. Budućnost’s collective defense. Nwora has been in “red-hot” form, but Budućnost has historically used the hostile atmosphere of Morača to stifle visiting superstars.

• The Paint Battle: With Chima Moneke leading Zvezda’s rebounding efforts, the battle against Budućnost’s frontcourt will be decisive. Zvezda dominated the boards in their previous meeting in Belgrade (a 95–79 win in November), a feat they hope to repeat tomorrow.

• Backcourt Generals: Codi Miller-McIntyre will look to orchestrate the Zvezda offense against a Budućnost side that thrives on transition points and high-percentage perimeter shooting.

Recent History

The “Blue-and-Whites” of Podgorica are hungry for revenge. Their last meeting in Round 6 saw Zvezda cruise to a 16-point victory behind a balanced attack. However, Budućnost has a history of upsetting the Belgraders in Montenegro, including a thrilling semifinal victory in the previous season’s playoffs.

How to Watch

Fans can catch the action live on Arena Sport 1 Premium, with coverage beginning shortly before the 18:00 tip-off.

Note for Fans: Crvena zvezda has already announced a schedule shift for their later February matches to avoid conflicts with the football club’s Europa League run, emphasizing the “united front” of the Red Star sports family this month.