Jack Animam did not allow a newly-promoted squad to rain on her parade.
The Filipina import powered Radnički to a close 78-77 win over Proleter 023 to open their 2021-22 First Women’s Basketball League of Serbia campaign, Saturday evening (Manila time) at SBB Hala Jezero in Kragujevac, Serbia.
Animam, who was making her pro debut, proved that she belonged in Serbia’s topflight league. She tallied 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting with 14 rebounds, two steals, two blocks, and an assist.
Despite figuring in foul trouble, the 6-foot-2 native of Bulacan still made the biggest play of the game.
With the red side clinging to a 74-71 lead with 27 ticks left, Animam cleaned up her teammate Andrea Glomazić’s miss with a power lay-in.
The cushion that bucket provided proved crucial. Tijana Cukić fired a triple afterward to keep Proleter alive.
Glomazić proved steady on the stripe, knocking down two big time freebies before Cukić fired another triple as time expired.
Milica Inđić complemented Animam with 18 points, seven assists, and three steals. Meanwhile, Marijana Stojanović added 11 points from off the bench.
On the other hand, Cukić led the way for Proleter with 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Jelena Muratović and Jelena Bosnić had 14 points apiece.
Animam and Radnicki look to sustain their momentum when they face defending champ Crvena Zvezda next Saturday.
