/PHOTO GALLERY/ The reigning basketball champion from Opava is literally hanging over the abyss. In Tuesday’s fourth quarter-final, he literally lost the game he won. Opava tried their best, mental mistakes broke their neck. In the end, the new smelter forced extra time with a lucky three and did not give Opavský a chance in it. After winning 100:93, she is one win away from a sensational advance to the semifinals.
The fourth quarter-final of the play-off league of basketball players NH Ostrava – BK Opava (23 April 2024).
| Photo: BK Opava/Mikuláš Celta
Tuesday’s duel was completely different from Monday’s. Opava played to a good performance, mainly led by captain Jakub Šiřina. “We have it built in Cuba. When he succeeds, others catch on as well,” said Opava coach Petr Czudek. “We were more tired in preparation for Cuba, and it caused us problems,” admitted Nova Huta coach Adam Choleva. “It will be different on Friday, we will be ready to ride with him,” he added.
VIDEO: Opavaský Málek about the match with Vlaším, his goal and Opava’s performances
After an even course in the fourth quarter, Opava set up a blockbuster. However, the timekeepers’ table was getting out of rhythm, and it had constant problems just like on Monday. The game was so fragmented. However, the favorite built up to a double-digit lead and it looked like he was on his way to a second win in the series. But in the end, things happened. Širina was shot down during the penetration, the referees remained calm. On the other side, mistakes came in the defense. Unnecessary foul at sixes, followed by an easy three. Less than four seconds before the end, the guests led by three points. However, they were unable to defend Michal Svoboda and he sent the game into overtime with a three-pointer. In it, Ostrava reigned in euphoria and celebrated its third win in the series. “We borrowed the ball well, we scored baskets. Unfortunately, bad luck is on our heels. We made mental mistakes that let us down,” admitted Petr Czudek. “The boys fought. They did their best on the board. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. We dug a hole into which we fell. But this team has character. We haven’t said the last word yet, we will return to Ostrava,” emphasized the coach of BK Opava.
“The luckier team won. In the fourth quarter, we got into a slight cramp. We started playing vabank and it worked. Michal Svoboda scored a lucky three,” smiled Adam Choleva. “The team had the will and they didn’t give up,” said the young coach. The game is played in Opava on Friday. “The last step is usually the hardest. But we will prepare well. It will be a huge fight and I believe that it will have a happy ending for us,” concluded the Nové huti coach. Friday’s duel starts at 6 p.m.
NH Ostrava – BK Opava 100:93 pp (25:18, 38:41, 56:67, 87:87)
Points: Madden 21, M. Svoboda 21, Majerčák 15, Williams 15, Heinzl 13, Rhodes 13, Škranc 2 – Šiřina 25, Puršl 12, Švandrlík 10, Gniadek 9, Kouřil 9, Mokráň 8, Jurečka 7, Farský 6, Zbránek F4, Nightingale 3. Referee: Quirky, Humble, Carnation. TH: 31/22:37/27. Triples: 12:10 p.m. Rebounds: 46:40. Fouls: 30:29. Spectators: 1200. Series status: 3:1
