FMP extends the lead to double digits
As good as Buducnost’s response was, the “Panthers” raised the intensity even more in the third quarter. Once again, the offense functioned excellently, with diverse scorers, and the most prominent was Aleksa Stepanovic, whose three-pointer concluded that part of the game, giving FMP a 12-point lead before the final 10 minutes.
Nothing significant changed in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter. Nate Watson’s points brought the hosts to a high lead of plus 15, after which Andrej Zakelj had to call a timeout. The Podgorica team didn’t have the strength to come back after that. The only thing they could do was reduce the deficit to six points, after which Nikitovic’s team scored two consecutive three-pointers and sealed the victory. Thus, FMP made a surprise, which is also good news for Partizan, which will equalize with the Montenegrin team for the second place in the regional competition with a potential triumph. The “Panthers” also put themselves in a good position to play in the elite rank next season.
The top scorers for the winners were Aleksa Stepanovic with 30 and Ranko Simovic with 21 points. McKinley Wright led the guests with 30 points.
In the next round, FMP will play against Zadar away, while Buducnost will host Partizan.