MEGA SUPERBET FALLS IN PODGORICA AT START OF ABA LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

Mega Superbet opened the ABA League playoffs with a loss, falling to Budućnost in Podgorica 80–96 (18:29, 16:23, 24:28, 18:20). Marko Barać’s team found themselves in double-digit deficit after just 10 minutes of play and didn’t show signs of life until the third quarter, when they managed to cut into the lead. They got within 12 points early in the final period, but the home team held firm, maintained the cushion, and closed out the game to take a 1–0 lead in the series.

Stefan Miljenović was the clear standout for Mega Superbet, finishing with 30 points, eight rebounds, and six assists for a performance index rating of 44. Only Mihailo Petrović followed suit with 17 points and eight assists.

For the winning side, Yogi Ferrell led the way with 20 points, Kenan Kamenjaš added 15, Nikola Tanasković scored 12, while Fletcher Magee and Đorđije Jovanović each chipped in with 10.

It was a rough start for Mega, as the home team came out aggressively with a 12–0 run. Barać’s squad managed to regroup and cut the deficit in half, but Budućnost responded with another surge to take a 29:18 lead by the end of the first quarter. Mega closed the gap to eight early in the second following a three-pointer by Petrović, but Budućnost answered again, pulling away and keeping Mega at a double-digit distance heading into halftime, 52:34.

Mega came out with more energy in the second half and reduced the margin to eight after a Petrović layup, but the more experienced Podgorica side quickly repelled the charge. The remainder of the third quarter was fairly balanced, with Budućnost still in control at 76:62 entering the final frame. The gap ballooned to 20 midway through the fourth, and although Mega managed to reduce the deficit, it wasn’t enough to turn things around.

Game 2 is scheduled for Friday, May 16, at 19:00 in Ranko Žeravica Sports Hall.

Mega Superbet: Milenković 2, Miljenović 30 (8 reb, 6 ast, PIR 44), Jelavić 8 (5 reb), Vukčević, Kroflič, Macura 5, Milijašević 3, Milutinović, Jović 9, Tanasković, Petrović 17, Malovec 6

Budućnost: Morgan 6, Suleiman 9, Ilić, Magee 10, Minić 3, Slavković 8, Tanasković 12, Ferrell 20, Jovanović 10, Drežnjak 1, Omić 2, Kamenjaš 15

Photo: ABA League/Dragana Stjepanović