DEFEAT FOR MEGA MIS BASKETBALL TEAM IN RADIVOJ KORAC CUP QUARTERFINAL

The Mega MIS basketball team failed to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the Radivoj Korac Cup, as they lost to Vojvodina MTS in the quarterfinals of the tournament at the Čair Hall in Niš with a score of 92-100 (15-26, 23-31, 30-29, 24-14). Under the guidance of coach Marko Barać, Mega MIS found themselves in a double-digit deficit in the first quarter, managed to find an offensive rhythm in the second, but couldn’t stop their opponent’s momentum, resulting in a significant disadvantage after 20 minutes. Mega’s players managed to cut the deficit in the third quarter, but Vojvodina, with a three-pointer from their own half in the final seconds, once again pulled away before the last 10 minutes. This shot provided a new impetus to the Novi Sad team, allowing them to regain a substantial lead. Despite Mega’s efforts to reduce the gap, they couldn’t force an uncertain ending and ultimately missed a place among the top four teams in Niš.

Uroš Plavšić led Mega MIS in scoring with 21 points (PIR 18), followed by Nikola Đurišić with 20. Filip Jović contributed 18 points and seven rebounds (PIR 20), while Stefan Miljenović scored 11. Omercan Ilyasoglu recorded eight points, seven assists, and six rebounds.

For Vojvodina, Luke Ašćerić scored 22 points, Petar Rakičević added 14, and Jared Cunningham, Tyrell Johnson, and Vasilije Vučetić each scored 11.

Mega did not start the game well, allowing Novi Sad to take a 5-0 lead. However, Đurišić and Plavšić rallied Barać’s team, bringing the game to a tie. Nevertheless, Vojvodina displayed sharpshooting accuracy, extending their lead to double digits at the end of the first quarter, leading 15-26. Mega continued to struggle offensively, and the motivated Vojvodina players gradually increased their lead. Although Barać’s team established an offensive rhythm, Novi Sad didn’t relent, leading 38-57 at halftime.

Mega significantly improved their performance on both ends of the court after returning from the break, and it began to show results. Although Vojvodina resisted, a three-pointer by Ilyasoglu towards the end of the third quarter brought Barać’s team to a 13-point deficit. It seemed that an uncertain ending could be in sight, but Novi Sad once again pulled away with a three-pointer from their half in the final seconds of the third quarter. Fueled by that shot, they scored another five points at the beginning of the decisive period, reestablishing a substantial lead. Despite the large difference, Mega continued to fight, displaying a competitive character and managing to reduce the deficit. However, Vojvodina held on, preserved their lead, and secured the victory.

The Mega MIS basketball team will continue their season with the 21st round of the ABA League against Krka in Novo Mesto, scheduled for early March.

Mega MIS lineup: Milijašević, Miljenović 11, Jelavić 7, Popović, Milutinović, Ilyasoglu 8 (7 assists, 6 rebounds), Đurišić 20, Kovačević 2, Gnjidić 2 (6 rebounds), Plavšić 21 (PIR 18), Jović 18 (7 rebounds, PIR 20), Malovec 3

Vojvodina lineup: Cunningham 11, Banjac 5, Nedeljkov, Ljubičić 2, Rakičević 14, Zagrađanin, Bumbić 7, Savić 9, Nikolić 8, Ašćerić 22, Johnson 11, Vučetić 11

Photo: Dragana Stjepanović