SC Derbi Secures First Season Win Against Split Despite Injuries

SC Derbi achieved a crucial victory in the ABA League by defeating Split, marking their first win of the season. The match took place on October 26, 2023, despite the absence of key players, starter Darius Johnson and Justin Turner, both sidelined due to injuries. This win comes after two previous losses, including a defeat against Greek team PAOK in the FIBA Champions League qualifiers.

The team, led by coach Petar Mijović, demonstrated resilience throughout the game. SC Derbi maintained the lead for nearly the entire match, including a strong first quarter where they established a notable advantage of 11 points, finishing at 26-15. In the third quarter, they extended their lead to 17 points on three occasions, but inconsistent performance in the second quarter left them tied at halftime, 45-45.

In the final quarter, Split challenged SC Derbi, narrowing the gap to just four points at 76-72. Mijović acknowledged the team’s struggles during critical moments, stating, “We had periods of excellent play, going up by 17 points on three occasions. However, we experienced inexplicable downturns, often stemming from softness in our defensive phase and adjustment issues to the increased aggression from our opponents.”

Statistical improvements were evident for SC Derbi compared to their first two matches. They shot 62.9 percent from the field and 87.5 percent from the free-throw line. The team also recorded four more rebounds, totaling 32, and increased their assists to 21, surpassing their previous matches against Borac and FMP.

Mijović emphasized the psychological importance of this victory, especially given the team’s current challenges. “There is hardly any team that plays without two main playmakers,” he noted, referring to the absence of Johnson and Turner. The victory provided a much-needed boost to the morale of the squad, although it was overshadowed by the injury of Amar Gegić, who left the game with 20 points, six assists, and five rebounds with less than four minutes remaining. Mijović remarked, “It does not look good, and we will assess the situation further.”

Looking ahead, SC Derbi will prepare to face Igokea in their next match, continuing their quest for success in the league.