Borac’s basketball team will visit Šibenka tomorrow at 8 PM in the fourth round of the ABA 2 League.
The Banja Luka team is preparing to reclaim a victory against the Croatian team after their loss in the previous round of the regional competition, but coach Marko Šćekić faces lineup challenges ahead of this match.
He won’t be able to count on injured players Boris Dragojević and Kristijan Ateljević; however, he believes he still has enough options in his lineup to secure a win. A potential victory would be a significant step toward securing one of the top two spots in the standings, which would advance Borac to the second round of the competition.
“We’re expecting a tough match against Šibenka, who defeated us in the previous round. They came into that game highly motivated and took control from the start. We managed to narrow the gap to eight points several times but didn’t have the strength to turn the game in our favor. I believe this game will be different, as we owe it to ourselves after playing without energy and tension for no reason,” said Šćekić.
He holds high regard for the upcoming opponent, who began the ABA 2 League with two losses.
“Šibenka has one of the best rosters in our group and is one of the strongest teams in the entire ABA 2 League. Their players have ABA League experience and quality. Although the season started with challenges due to player injuries and a coaching change, some players have returned, bringing new energy as they compete for roles,” added Šćekić.
He’s aware of the importance of the match, which could open doors for further advancement.
“We’ve done well so far, but we’re halfway through the ABA 2 League games. We won’t succeed if we don’t treat every match like a playoff, something I’ve emphasized since September 1 and our game against Ilirija. This game is also a playoff match. We could lose a lot but also gain a lot. I hope for a win and qualification for the next round,” Šćekić stated.
Compared to the previous matchup, Šibenka will be stronger with the return of their top player, Martin Junaković, from injury.
“Šibenka is an excellent, experienced, and resilient team with players who can switch roles effortlessly. Junaković played the last game, so he’ll play against us as well. Since then, Šibenka has won two games and is in good rhythm. It’s up to us to respond to their pace. We have our strengths, and it’s on us to do what we do best—apply pressure on the perimeter, play tough and aggressive, and, above all, not be afraid. I believe there was a certain fear of winning since we had won two away games before that, leading to some tension. I hope it won’t be an issue in Šibenik, and that we’ll play a good game and come out victorious,” Šćekić emphasized.
Borac’s power forward Vuk Bošković is confident they can reclaim the victory.
“We’re facing a very tough game. Šibenka outplayed us in Laktaši, exploited our weaknesses, and was much better prepared for that game. They’re an experienced team with many older and more seasoned players compared to us, but if we focus on correcting our mistakes from the last game, I think we can achieve a win on their tough home court,” Bošković concluded.
Source: Glas Srpske
