MEGA SUPERBET FALL TO SPARTAK TO CLOSE THE FIRST PART OF THE ABA LEAGUE SEASON

Mega Superbet suffered a defeat in the final round of the first phase of this season’s ABA League, as Spartak Office Shoes from Subotica claimed an 94–89 victory at the Ranko Žeravica Sports Hall (25:23, 21:16, 23:25, 25:25). After an evenly matched first half and a fierce battle in the third quarter, Vule Avdalović’s team managed to turn the game around and take the lead in the final period, but failed to protect that advantage in the closing minutes. Mega fought until the very end, trying in every way to engineer another comeback, but the visitors held firm. Mega Superbet thus завершила group play with a 6–10 record, while Spartak finished at an even 8–8.

Savo Drezgić was the standout performer for Mega Superbet, pouring in a career-high 31 points in the ABA League. He was supported by Luiđo Suigo with 12 points and 11 rebounds, Bogoljub Marković with 15 points and four rebounds, Kayrel Luke with 13 points, five rebounds and four assists, and Asim Đulović with 13 points and six rebounds.

For Spartak, Shevon Thompson led the way with 19 points, Olivier Hanlan added 16, Stefan Momirov scored 14, while double figures were also reached by Javonte Hawkins with 14, Danilo Nikolić with 11 and Igor Drobnjak with 10 points.

The visitors opened the game better and jumped out to a 10–4 lead. Mega gradually raised the tempo and finished the first quarter with a 7–0 run to cut the deficit to just two points heading into the first break (23–25). Early in the second quarter, Mega completed the turnaround with a three-pointer by Drezgić and free throws from Suigo. Avdalović’s side held the lead until the final two minutes of the first half, when Spartak regained control to go into the break ahead 46–39.

After halftime, Mega quickly pulled level at 47–47 but could not reclaim the lead. Spartak then stretched the margin to double digits with just over two minutes left in the third period, before Luke and Drezgić sparked a mini-run to bring Mega back into the game. The teams headed into the final quarter with Spartak leading 69–64. Drezgić continued his excellent performance, scoring five straight points to tie the game at the start of the fourth quarter, setting up a tense battle. Mega briefly took the lead with a dunk by Suigo, but the visitors responded with shots from long range to regain the advantage and then pull away. Avdalović’s players battled until the final buzzer, but lacked the strength for another comeback and suffered the loss.

Mega Superbet will continue their ABA League campaign in the Play-Out phase, where they will face FMP in the first round of the second stage of the competition, on Sunday, February 15, in Železnik.

Mega Superbet: Luke 13 (5 reb, 4 ast), Đulović 13 (6 reb), Radojčić, Drezgić 31, Marković 15, Vukčević, Kroflič 5, Sibi, Suigo 12 (11 reb), Srzentić, Gačić, Mušicki.

Spartak Subotica: Banjac, Cerovina, Drobnjak 10, Hanlan 16, Momirov 14, Medarević 7, Thompson 19, Ilić, Hawkins 14, Bodrožić, Nikolić 11, Rebić 3.

Photo: Mega Superbet