Crvena Zvezda Belgrade has released a statement following their narrow 86-84 defeat against Zalgiris Kaunas in Round 6 of the EuroLeague. The loss dropped the Serbian team to a 3-3 record, while Zalgiris improved to a joint-best 5-1.
The game featured a dramatic finish, with Bryant Dunston of Zalgiris scoring the game-winning basket just as the buzzer sounded. “Crvena Zvezda almost had overtime in their hands, as Codi Miller-McIntyre hit a three-pointer,” the statement read. The missed opportunity added to the tension of the match.
In the first half, Zalgiris took control, thanks to standout performances from Deividas Sirvydis, who scored a career-high 17 points. Miller-McIntyre and Uros Plavsic led Crvena Zvezda with 16 points each, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.
The Serbian team’s frustration was palpable in their statement, which also highlighted issues with officiating. The statement noted, “This game represents a disgrace and shame for EuroLeague!” It pointed to the refereeing decisions and behavior at the scores table as contributing factors to their defeat.
The game saw Zalgiris surge ahead with a dominant performance in the second quarter. Crvena Zvezda managed to cut the deficit but struggled to maintain momentum.
The statement indicated that “Crvena Zvezda has already faced officiating issues that directly resulted in losses during this EuroLeague season.”
The team emphasized that this was not an isolated incident, stating, “For the second time in just six rounds of this year’s EuroLeague edition, we have faced officiating that has led to direct defeats.”
As the game unfolded, both teams battled fiercely, with Crvena Zvezda managing to tie the game late in the fourth quarter. Miller-McIntyre’s clutch three-pointer brought the score to 84-84 before Dunston’s buzzer-beater sealed the game.
The statement reiterated the importance of addressing officiating concerns, suggesting, “There must be a serious discussion about the incidents in Kaunas.”
Crvena Zvezda’s next challenge will come against reigning champions Panathinaikos Athens as they return to Belgrade.
