MEGA MIS SHOWS CHARACTER IN COMEBACK WIN AGAINST SC DERBY

The Mega MIS basketball team notched their fourth consecutive win in the ABA League, defeating SC Derby in a thrilling comeback during Round 23 at the Ranko Žeravica Sports Hall with a scoreline of 88-79 (22:23, 18:29, 24:19, 24:8). Under the leadership of coach Marko Barać, the team trailed by a double-digit margin in the first half, facing a 14-point deficit early in the third quarter. However, they demonstrated resilience during those moments, showing their refusal to surrender, ultimately saving their best for last. With an outstanding performance in the decisive quarter, Mega turned the tide. After a tense battle, they broke through the opposition’s defense, maintained their focus in crucial moments, and deservedly secured a vital victory. With this win, Mega MIS enters the final three rounds of the league stage with a record of 13-10, further solidifying their position for a playoff berth after gaining an advantage in head-to-head matchups against the team from Podgorica, which suffered its 12th loss (11-12),

Stefan Miljenović was the player of the match, contributing key points in the closing moments and finishing with a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds, along with six assists, earning a performance index rating of 33. Following closely behind was Mega MIS captain Uroš Plavišić, who recorded 19 points and fell just one rebound short of a double-double (PIR 31). In comparison, Nikola Đurišić was the game’s top scorer with 23 points. Andrija Jelavić also showcased an excellent performance with 12 points and six rebounds (PIR 21). This victory holds significant importance, especially considering the absence of Lovro Gnjidić, while Timotej Malvoec played through injury.

Leading the way for SC Derby was Igor Drobnjak with 15 points, supported by Mateo Drežnjak with 12 points, and David Mirković and Emir Hadžibegović, who contributed 11 points each.

Mega started the match strongly and held a 7-2 lead after two minutes of play. They maintained their advantage until the final two minutes of the first quarter when the visitors secured a comeback with nine consecutive points, taking a minimal lead into the break (22-23). However, SC Derby dominated the beginning of the second quarter, extending their lead for the first time in the match. Despite Mega’s efforts to reduce the deficit, SC Derby maintained their lead, eventually heading into halftime with a comfortable 12-point advantage (40-52).

The visitors held on until the middle of the third quarter when Mega cut the deficit in half after an impressive dunk by Đurišić. Barać’s team showed their determination not to give up, and although they entered the decisive ten minutes of play trailing 64-71, they saved their best for last. Plavišić led the charge in the final quarter, joined by Jelavić, and the home team completed the turnaround in just over three minutes of play (72-71). The match then entered a back-and-forth battle, culminating in a thrilling finish. A fierce competition ensued for every ball, with Đurišić and Miljenović making crucial plays to keep Mega ahead. Barać’s team remained focused until the final moments, maintaining accuracy from the free-throw line and rightfully clinching a significant victory.

In the upcoming 24th round of the ABA League, Mega MIS will face Crvena Zvezda as the away team on Monday, March 25, at 8:00 PM.

Mega MIS: Milijašević 2, Miljenović 22 (12 rebounds, 6 assists, PIR 33), Jelavić 12 (6 rebounds, PIR 21), Popović, Milutinović, Ilyasoglu 6 (7 assists), Đurišić 23, Kovačević, Plavšić 19 (9 rebounds, PIR 31), Jović 4, Malovec

SC Derby: Bogavac 7, Pavlićević, Vučeljić 4, Hadžibegović 11, Baćović 2, Ivišić 2, Dawkins 8, Drobnjak 15, Drežnjak 12, Todorović, Kapusta 7, Mirković 11

photo: Mega MIS/Ivica Veselinov