Fenerbahce coach Zeljko Obradovic believes that Ukrainian side Budivelnik Kiev can make a real impact in this season’s Euroleague.
Speaking after his side’s 102-84 win in the Ukrainian capital last night, the eight-time Euroleague winner praised Kiev for running his side close until the fourth quarter of play.
“Budivelnik is very good team, whose players always know what they are supposed to do on the court,” Obradovic said.
“I am sure that the Euroleague will have benefit for this team, they are really great for newcomers. I think they have good future, and I want to congratulate them for a good game.”
The Euroleague newcomers were 77-71 up going into the fourth quarter until a game-changing 12-0 run from the Turkish side led to a 31-7 final quarter score. It was harsh on the hosts, but Fenerbahce took advantage of a tired Budivielnik side and ultimately came away with the win.
The scoreline though did not reflect the performance.
“I think that the difference in the final score doesn’t show the real difference in the game. I am glad, but we have much to do in the future,” Obradovic said.
Kiev coach Ainars Bagatskis added: “We played good for three quarters of the game but after that, something strange happened. It seemed like we changed ourselves. We lost our discipline on offence and gave up on defence.”
