ATOMIC BASKETBALL AT THE HALA SPORTOVA AND A BIG WIN FOR IMPRESSIVE MEGA SUPERBET AGAINST CRVENA ZVEZDA!

Mega Superbet recorded their biggest win of the season so far, defeating Crvena zvezda Meridianbet 107–102 in Round 17 of the ABA League at the Ranko Žeravica Sports Hall (29:29, 28:33, 23:26, 27:14). Coached by Vule Avdalović, Mega matched the favored opponent from the opening tip. The teams traded the lead until the third quarter, when the visitors took control and then built a double-digit advantage early in the fourth period. However, Mega refused to give in, responded with a 13–0 run to complete the comeback, and in a tense finish showed quality and mental toughness to secure a huge victory. With this win, Mega Superbet improved their record to 6–9, while Crvena zvezda fell to 11–4.

Bogoljub Marković delivered a brilliant performance, leading Mega to the win with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists (index rating 41). Asim Đulović added 19 points, Luigi Suigo narrowly missed a double-double with 14 points and nine rebounds, Savo Drezgić scored 13, Kyrell Luc 12, and Urban Kroflić also finished in double figures with 11 points. Abdramane Sibi contributed nine points and six rebounds.

For Crvena zvezda, Donatas Motiejunas scored 22 points, Jared Butler added 20, and Ebuka Izundu finished with 18. Yago Dos Santos posted 17 points, while former Mega Superbet player Stefan Miljenović chipped in 12.

The game was played at a high tempo from the start. Mega found their rhythm early and took an 18–12 lead midway through the opening quarter after a three-pointer by Kroflić. Another long-range shot by Kroflić pushed the lead to 21–14, but Crvena zvezda closed the quarter strong, and the first period ended tied at 29–29. Avdalović’s team pulled away again early in the second quarter, going up 41–32 after Marković’s basket, but the experienced visitors responded with an 11–2 run to level the score. A fierce battle continued until halftime, with “atomic basketball” on display at the Hala Sportova, and Zvezda went into the break ahead 62–57.

After the intermission, the visitors protected their lead, but Mega did not allow them to pull away. Avdalović’s young squad stayed within striking distance and quickly responded after falling behind by double digits, cutting the deficit to 76–80 with a 6–0 run. Crvena zvezda again finished the quarter strong, and Mega entered the final 10 minutes trailing 80–88. The visitors soon restored a double-digit cushion, but Mega’s players never waved the white flag. Continuing to believe and fight, Drezgić sparked the comeback with five straight points, which Suigo followed up with two emphatic dunks to complete the turnaround. In the dramatic finish, Marković took charge — drilling a three for 101–96, then converting a layup, and finally finishing through contact with 71 seconds remaining before calmly sinking the free throw to put Mega up five. Crvena zvezda had no answer, Avdalović’s team held on, and the celebration could begin.

In the next round of the ABA League, Mega Superbet will host Spartak Office Shoes from Subotica at the Ranko Žeravica Sports Hall. The game is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, at 12:00.

Mega Superbet: Luc 12 (6 ast), Đulović 19, Radojčić, Drezgić 13 (5 ast), Marković 29 (10 reb, 6 ast, index 41), Vukčević, Kroflić 11 (5 reb), Sibi 9 (6 reb), Suigo 14 (9 reb), Srzentić, Gačić, Mušicki.

Crvena zvezda: Miller-McIntyre, Miljenović 12, Butler 20, Davidovac 3, Kalinić 2, Dobrić 6, Izundu 18, Motiejunas 22, Ojeleye 2, Radošić, Moneke, Dos Santos 17.

Photo: Mega Superbet