Mega MIS fought bravely until the very last moment, but ultimately lost to Crvena Zvezda in a thrilling finish

The basketball players of Mega MIS delivered an excellent performance against defending champions Crvena Zvezda, but were unable to pull off an upset, losing 76:81 (23:16, 21:22, 19:24, 13:19) in the 8th round of the ABA League at the Ranko Žeravica Sports Hall.

Marko Barać’s team started the game strong, gaining a double-digit lead early on and maintaining the advantage until the middle of the third quarter, when the opponent made a comeback. Mega briefly regained the lead and even pulled ahead at the start of the decisive fourth quarter, but the game ended in a tense finish, with the visitors securing the victory. After eight rounds, Mega MIS has a 4-4 record, while Crvena Zvezda stands at 6-2.

The most valuable player for Mega MIS was Bogoljub Marković with a performance index of 23, just shy of a double-double with 16 points and eight rebounds. Mihailo Petrović was the top scorer with 17 points (index 19), while Kosta Kondić added 15 points and seven rebounds (index 19). Andrija Jelavić also contributed with 12 points and six rebounds.

For Crvena Zvezda, the top scorer was Kodi Miller-McIntyre with 17 points, followed by Nemanja Nedović with 15 points and Filip Petrušev with 14 points.

Mega MIS started the game excellently, with an inspired Marković leading the team to a double-digit lead early on (13:3). After a timeout, the visitors responded, but Mega maintained the advantage and ended the first quarter with a 23:16 lead. Mega opened the second quarter with a 5:0 run, extending their lead to double digits once again, but Crvena Zvezda mounted a strong comeback, narrowing the deficit to just one point (31:30). However, Mega responded well, closing the quarter strong and going into halftime with a 44:38 lead.

The second half was a battle. Mega held their ground until the middle of the third quarter, when Crvena Zvezda took their first lead and eventually extended it to six points (53:59). However, Petrović and Milijašević answered with three-pointers, and after Petrović’s basket following an offensive rebound, Mega reclaimed the lead and entered the final 10 minutes with a 63:62 advantage. Mega MIS started the decisive quarter strong, with two powerful dunks from Jović putting them ahead 67:62, but a 9-0 run from the visitors turned the tide. Kondić hit a crucial three-pointer, and Mega refused to give up. In the end, however, experience prevailed, and the guests pulled away in the final moments to secure the win.

Mega MIS will play their next ABA League game on Saturday, November 16, against Cedevita Olimpija in Ljubljana, with the tip-off scheduled for 19:00.

Mega MIS: Kondić 15 (7 reb, index 18), Jelavić 12 (6 reb), Vukčević, Marković 16 (8 reb, index 23), Kajil 2 (5 ast), Kroflič, Macura 2, Milijašević 5, Jović 7, Tanasković, Petrović 17 (5 ast, index 19), Malovec.

Crvena Zvezda: Miller-McIntyre 17, Kenan 3, Teodosić 3, Mitrović, Lazić 2, Kalinić 7, Dobrić 2, Daum 9, Petrušev 14, Plavšić 9, Nedović 15, Dos Santos.

Photo: Mega MIS/Ivica Veselinov