Not in the mood for a long chat: Saša Obradović explains victory over Igokea in three sentences

Pulse Sports Team 20:50 - 04 April 2026

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet basketball players defeated Igokea in the sixth round of the ABA League TOP 8 phase, with a final score of 86:73 (19:14, 21:19, 27:16, 19:24). After the match, head coach Saša Obradović gave a statement.

Just three days after suffering a heavy defeat to Partizan (89:82) in the EuroLeague eternal derby, Crvena Zvezda managed to bounce back from the knockdown. In the sixth round of the ABA League Top 8 phase, they outplayed Igokea in Laktaši, securing an 86:73 victory.

Considering that Zvezda faces a double EuroLeague week ahead, with crucial playoff-contending clashes against Paris and ASVEL, it's fair to say the red-and-whites played today's game against Igokea "at half-throttle." Key players Cody Miller-McIntyre, Jordan Nwora, and Simi Odželeja were rested by coach Saša Obradović, a well-deserved break before the upcoming "hellish" schedule.

I believe we deserved this win; we needed a game like this. I'm satisfied with how we played. Although it looked like a routine victory, I think we still needed good concentration to secure the win.Saša Obradović

The red-and-whites are entering a crucial part of the season. Next week features a double-header, where anything less than two victories would be another setback following the tragically lost derby. First, Zvezda will face Paris on Tuesday at Štark Arena, followed by an away game against ASVEL in Lyon on Friday, hosted by Saša Obradović's squad.