Players of KKI Vrbas completed a remarkable comeback in the NLB League semifinal against KK OSI Paramont.
Vrbas overturned a 19-point deficit
After the team from Podgorica won the opening quarter 24-5, everything pointed toward their passage to the final of the regional competition. However, the side from Banja Luka gradually cut into the lead and, through a brilliant finish by Nermin Hujić, took victory with nine seconds remaining, 69-67, earning a chance to win a ninth trophy.
“We entered the game tense and simply were not what we know we can be. It seems we needed time for everything to fall into place, and we made many mistakes. What matters most now is that we once again secured a place in the final of this prestigious competition,” Hujić said.
Švraka and Hujić heroes of the match
Vlado Švraka, a long-time pillar of the multiple champions of Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the NLB League, said he could not remember a performance like this one.
“In my 15 years with the club, I can responsibly say we have never played such a powerful game with this level of energy. We managed to come back from a huge deficit, above all through strong defence and the offensive contribution of three players, which in my opinion decided the winner,” Švraka said.
Final against Parasport Slovenia
Club president Marinko Umičević also expressed satisfaction.
“We had to survive all of this considering we were down by 19 and nothing was going right for my players in those moments. In the end, everything came together. Now a full Stožice Arena awaits us again, where nearly 5,000 spectators attended last year’s final. It is a great achievement that our club, from a small Republika Srpska and a small yet great city, is once again in a position to fight for the NLB League trophy,” Umičević said.
Vrbas will face Parasport Slovenia in the final. The Slovenian side won the title for the first time last season after defeating the Banja Luka club.
Source: Glas Srpske
