MEGA SUPERBET LOST TO PARTIZAN AFTER A GREAT FIGHT IN THE FINAL QUARTER

The Mega Superbet basketball team was defeated in the last round of the ABA League as guests of Partizan, 82:89 (23:34, 16:20, 19:22, 24:13). Under the guidance of coach Marko Barać, the team was trailing by double digits for most of the game, but they managed to fight back in the final quarter. They reduced the deficit and came within four points, but didn’t have enough strength for a complete comeback. This ended Mega’s five-game winning streak, and they enter the playoffs as the 8th seed in the regional competition with a 16-14 record.

The top scorer for Mega Superbet was Filip Jović with 15 points, but the most valuable player was Bogoljub Marković with 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists, earning a performance index of 19. Mihailo Petrović scored 14 points and added six assists, Timotej Malovec contributed 12 points and five rebounds, while Andrija Jelavić also scored 10 points (7 rebounds).

For Partizan, the top scorer was Vanja Marinković with 23 points.

Mega started the game well with Malovec and Marković leading the charge, followed by a three-pointer from Srzentić, but the host managed to pull away with a series of three-pointers, establishing a double-digit lead by the middle of the first quarter. Mega responded late in the first quarter with a 7-2 run, cutting the deficit to 34:23 by the end of the period. Mega continued to play well on offense but struggled defensively, allowing Partizan to increase the lead to 19 points. However, Mega found their rhythm late in the second quarter and reduced the deficit to 13 points, going into halftime trailing 39:54.

The players of Marko Barać refused to give up and gradually cut into the lead. They came within 10 points after three and a half minutes, but Partizan pulled away again, and at the start of the decisive fourth quarter, the score was 76:58 in favor of the home team. However, Mega wasn’t done yet. They opened the fourth quarter with an 8-0 run, signaling a comeback. In a fierce battle, Mega came within just four points, but they didn’t have enough strength for a full turnaround.

Mega Superbet: Milenković, Miljenović 7, Jelavić 10 (7 rebounds), Vukčević, Marković 13 (6 rebounds, 4 assists, index 19), Kroflič, Milijašević 8, Srzentić 3, Jović 15, Tanasković, Petrović 14 (6 assists), Malovec 12 (5 rebounds).

Partizan: Dejvis 7, Lundberg 5, Džons 6, Nilikina 9, Vašington 7, Nakić, Marinković 23, Pokuševski 9, Braun 7, Bonga 7, Lakić 3, Majk 6.

Mega Superbet will face Budućnost in the first round of the ABA League playoffs, which will be played in a best-of-three series. The first game will take place in Podgorica on Sunday, May 11, at 19:00.

Photo: ABA League/Dragana Stjepanović