Split Triumphs Over SC Derbi in Overtime Thriller 102-94

In a gripping encounter on March 15, 2024, SC Derbi faced a tough defeat against Split in an overtime showdown, with the final score reaching 102-94 in the 16th round of Group A of the ABA League. Despite trailing by as much as 19 points during the second quarter, the Podgorica team rallied to force extra time, only to be outmatched in the final moments of the game.

Petar Mijović, head coach of SC Derbi, expressed his admiration for Split’s performance, stating, “I congratulate Split on their well-deserved victory. The match had two completely different phases.” He acknowledged the team’s poor start, particularly in the first quarter, where a lackluster defensive approach allowed Split to establish a significant lead.

Mijović noted, “We entered the first quarter in an unacceptable manner, with a soft approach on defense, which resulted in easy points for Split. They found their shooting rhythm early on. We knew they posed a threat from the perimeter, with many players capable of hitting three-pointers.” Despite the deficit, Mijović felt that his team established a more competitive standard of play in the second quarter, which was crucial for their comeback attempt.

The second half saw a notable shift in SC Derbi’s performance. Mijović remarked, “I think we played significantly tougher and more aggressively in the second half. We made some key shots during our comeback, and our defense, especially on the perimeter, improved.” Early contributions from player Jordan were pivotal, setting the tone for overtime and granting Split the necessary confidence to close out the game.

On the other side, Dino Repeša, the head coach of Split, expressed satisfaction with his team’s execution. He said, “Once again, we started the game well, just as we did in the previous three matches. The game plan was executed effectively in both directions.” Despite the victory, Repeša voiced concerns about the points conceded, particularly from pick-and-roll situations, indicating that this has been a recurring challenge for the team this season.

Repeša added, “It’s unfortunate that we allowed SC Derbi to stay in the game despite holding a 19-point lead. After some fouls, we became nervous.” He acknowledged the mental strength displayed by his players, highlighting the importance of the win in restoring their confidence.

The atmosphere in the arena intensified as the game progressed, with the crowd becoming increasingly engaged. Repeša noted, “I wish the energy from the fans was always like this. Jordan was exceptional, scoring 32 points and contributing significantly on defense. Not only him—Zoki (Dragić) also performed admirably, and Vigins managed to control the paint effectively.”

The match concluded with Split securing a vital win, reinforcing their position in the league and showcasing their resilience under pressure. This thrilling game serves as a testament to the competitive spirit of the ABA League, leaving fans eager for the next round of action.