MEGA FIGHT UNTIL THE END, BUT NCAA CHAMPIONS PREVAIL IN HERCEG NOVI

Mega Superbet put up a strong fight against reigning NCAA champions Michigan but suffered an 84-81 defeat in a preseason game at the Igalo Sports Center in Herceg Novi (24-19, 25-19, 16-24, 16-22). Vule Avdalovic’s team produced an excellent first half and built a double-digit advantage, but the American side managed to fight back and turn the game around. Mega stayed in contention until the final seconds and cut the deficit to only two points but could not complete the comeback.

Andrej Lucic led Mega Superbet with 19 points and six assists, while Andrej Musicki recorded 14 points, five assists, and three rebounds. Pavle Backo and Ognjen Nikolic added 12 points apiece.

Trey McKenney paced Michigan with 25 points, JP Estrella scored 16, and Elliot Cadeau finished with 15.

After a tight start and several lead changes, Mega closed the opening quarter strongly to take a 24-19 advantage. Michigan briefly moved ahead early in the second period, but Avdalovic’s team raised its defensive intensity, reclaimed the lead, and finished the first half strongly to establish a double-digit cushion at 49-38.

Michigan opened the second half with a 12-3 run to close the gap, but Mega remained in front heading into the final quarter, 65-62. The American team then completed the comeback and took a 72-67 lead. Mega refused to give up and pulled within 83-81 late in the game, but Michigan sealed the victory from the free-throw line.

Mega Superbet: Maniema 7, Boskovic 3, Musicki 14, Vojinovic, Hrelja 5, Uros Suput 5, Backo 12, Nikolic 12, Milan Suput, Srzentic 4, Paunov, Lucic 19.

Michigan: McKenney 25, Cadeau 15, McCoy, Eisley, Costello 9, Hartman 3, Moller 6, Goodman 8, Estrella 16, Brown 2, Hochberg.

Photo: Mega Superbet