Dusko Ivanovic after loss vs Partizan: 'I'm 100% sure that we'll win' / News - Basketnews.com

Dusko Ivanovic remained confident that Crvena Zvezda will win the ABA League despite a Game 1 loss against Partizan.

Credit: Partizan Mozzart Bet/Emilija Jovanovic Credit Partizan Mozzart Bet/Emilija Jovanovic

Tuesday marked the start of arguably the most anticipated final series in European basketball as Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade hosted Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade. After the game, a bold statement was issued by one of the coaches.

Points this season

46%77,2Points made:77,2Accuracy:46,0%Place in standings:14Record max:94Record min:56Best scorer:Nemanja NedovicTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Partizan almost wasted a 22-point lead but ultimately came out on top to take a 1-0 series lead against their eternal rivals. Following the defeat, Crvena Zvezda's head coach Dusko Ivanovic was confident in his team.

"Nothing has changed, now I'm 100% sure that we will win," he said in the post-game press conference, reiterating the words he once told the media during the regular season.

"Partizan played much better than us in the first half, i.e. not so much better as with more energy. That energy gave them confidence and they created a huge lead," Ivanovic explained. "We were close, we lacked a little strength and confidence to reverse the result. We left that for the second game."

Zach LeDay was the top scorer of the game with 24 points and 5 rebounds in his account. On the other side of the court, Facundo Campazzo finished the game with a double-double of 15 points and 10 assists with 9 drawn fouls on top.

Game 2 of the best-of-five series is scheduled for Thursday, June 15th, at 20:00 CET.

Like what we are doing? Support us by becoming BN+ member.