MEGA SUPERBET LOSES TO BUDUĆNOST IN A CLOSE FINISH AFTER A HARD-FOUGHT BATTLE AND ENDS THE SEASON IN THE ABA LEAGUE

Mega Superbet basketball players were unable to defeat Budućnost Voli in the second game of the ABA League quarterfinal playoff series at Ranko Žeravica Sports Hall. After a hard-fought battle and a dramatic finish, they were defeated with a final score of 87–92 (21:19, 17:30, 31:15, 18:28). Despite a strong start and a good first quarter, coach Marko Barać’s team trailed at halftime. However, they turned the game around with a fantastic third quarter, taking control of the match. A fierce fight ensued in the final 10 minutes, but the more experienced team from Podgorica regained the lead in the closing moments and secured the victory—winning the series 2-0 and advancing to the semifinals. Mega Superbet has thus concluded its participation in the 2024/25 ABA League season.

Timotej Malovec led Mega Superbet with 18 points (4 rebounds, index rating 17), Ilija Milijašević added 17 points, while Stefan Miljenović scored 16. Filip Jović also scored in double digits with 14 points, and Mihailo Petrović was just shy of a double-double with nine points and eight assists (index 16).

For Budućnost, Rasheed Sulaimon led the way with 20 points, followed closely by Jehyve Floyd Morgan with 19. Jogi Ferrell added 16, Alen Omić scored 13, and Kenan Kamenjaš contributed 10 points.

Mega started the game well, with Malovec showing early form, and after just over five minutes of play, the scoreboard read 14–7 in favor of the hosts. Budućnost responded with a 10–4 run to pull within one point entering the final minute of the first quarter. However, Kroflič hit a three-pointer to close out the quarter with Mega up 21–19. The second quarter saw Budućnost turn things around. Mega struggled offensively, allowing the visitors to gain a double-digit lead midway through the quarter. Barać’s squad managed to cut the deficit in half, but Budućnost pulled away again to lead 49–38 at the break.

After halftime, Mega came out strong. Led by Miljenović and Milijašević, they tied the game at 57–57 just over four minutes into the third quarter. Then, Malovec hit a long-range shot to give Mega the lead. With an excellent offensive performance, they pulled ahead by as much as seven points and entered the final quarter up 69–63. Mega maintained the lead with solid play on both ends of the court, but the persistent visitors slowly erased the deficit and tied the game at 77–77 with four and a half minutes remaining. The match then entered a nail-biting finish. Despite Mega’s effort, Budućnost’s experience prevailed as they pulled ahead in the closing moments to seal the win and advance to the semifinals.

With this loss, Mega Superbet wraps up its ABA League season. The team finished the regular season in eighth place with a 16–14 record. They now turn their focus to the Serbian SuperLeague, where they will face FMP in the quarterfinals in a best-of-three series. The first game is scheduled for Sunday, May 18 at 7:00 PM at TC Dejan Milojević.

Mega Superbet: Milenković, Miljenović 16, Jelavić 4 (11 rebounds, 4 assists), Vukčević, Kroflič 7, Macura 2, Milijašević 17, Milutinović, Jović 14, Tanasković, Petrović 9 (8 rebounds, index 16), Malovec 18 (4 rebounds, index 17).

Budućnost: Morgan 19, Sulaimon 20, Ilić, Magee 4, Minić, Slavković 2, Tanasković 4, Ferrell 16, Jovanović 4, Drežnjak, Omić 13, Kamenjaš 10.

Photo: Mega Superbet