Vëllaznimi shines in the second half; semifinalist to be decided in Prishtina

A blockbuster game was played on Saturday evening at the “Shani Nushi” sports hall in Gjakova. The arena was packed with spectators for the second game of the Vëllaznimi – Sigal Prishtina playoff quarterfinals.

And thanks to the tremendous support of the fans, Vëllaznimi secured a win. With the 90:73 victory, Vëllaznimi made the third game in Prishtina on Wednesday decisive for advancement to the playoff semifinals. The series score is currently 1:1. Sigal Prishtina won the first game at home, 71:69. The team that records two wins qualifies and faces Trepça, which finished the regular season in second place, behind Bashkimi. 

Sigal Prishtina won the first quarter 28:16. The “blue and whites” continued their good play in the second period as well. In fact, at the end of the second ten-minute period, Sigal Prishtina had a 21-point lead, 46:25. But the “reds and blacks” came roaring back in the third quarter, tying the score at 63:63 with 50 seconds to go before the final period, and then took the lead. 

Jericole Hellems shone in the decisive moments. Hellems and the other Vëllaznimi players continued their good play in the fourth period as well, to level the quarterfinal series. 
Hellems was the player of the game, finishing the matchup with a remarkable 37 points, while also contributing ten rebounds and four assists. Trey Anderson added 28 points, seven rebounds and four assists for Vëllaznimi. Jason Jitoboh scored ten points, while Atik Koshi also had some good moments, finishing the game with seven points. 

For Sigal Prishtina, on the other hand, Jordan Davis’s good performance, with 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists, was not enough. 

In the other playoff quarterfinal, Peja and Golden Eagle Ylli play on Sunday from 19:00 at “Karagaçi” in Peja. Peja has the advantage from the first game, having won 77:71 in Suharekë. That game was interrupted for a long time following an incident. Sunday’s game is also expected to be a fiery one. With a win, Peja would then play Bashkimi in the semifinals. In the event of a defeat, it would play another game in Suharekë on Thursday.